OCR GCSE ComputingBartholomew Computing Department

Bartholomew ICT and Computing Department 2

Contents

Why study Computing?

Course Description

Skills Required

Assessment

Links and other Resources

Post-16

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Why study Computing?

It informs us as to how our computers, which we rely on, function

It gives you opportunities for many future careers

It is a discipline which informs other subjects as well such as maths or physics

It is a problem-solving subject

It is creative!

We use real-world tools

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Course Description

Pupils complete three units across two years:

Unit A451 – Computer Systems and programming (Theory)

Unit A452 – Practical Investigation (Controlled Assessment)

Unit A453 – Programming project (Controlled Assessment)

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A451 – Computer Systems and

Programming (Theory)

This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems on which the

examination will be based. The theory is covered across year 10 and year 11.

The following topics will be covered in theory lessons:

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

Computing Hardware

Computing Software

Representation of data in computer systems

Databases

Computer communications and networking

Programming

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Textbooks

There are a number of textbooks which we recommend for the subject. We

do not teach from one specific textbook.

Links go to Amazon

GCSE Computing – Susan Robson

OCR GCSE Computing official textbook

Revision Guide for GCSE Computing

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A452 Practical Investigation (Controlled

Assessment)

This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity to carry out a

practical investigation into a computing issue and engage them with

computing in the real world.

They will produce a report in which the topic is analysed, justified and

evaluated showing evidence of the practical work undertaken. Some past

projects have looked at:

1. System Management using Linux

2. The Little Man Computer

3. Developing Apps with Android

4. Validation using web-forms and Javascript

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A453 Programming Project (Controlled

Assessment)

This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity to program a

complete solution for a specified problem or scenario.

They will produce a solution to cover the complete life-cycle including an

analysis, implementation, testing and evaluation.

Previous projects have included

1. An Encryption Program

2. An Interactive Maths Quiz

3. A Hangman Game

4. A Password Strength Application

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Skills Required

Logic and Problem Solving

A Love for How Things Work

Perseverance

Team Working Skills

Creativity

Independence

Read and Write a lot of Code

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Assessment

Computer Systems and Programming – 40% – 90 minute written exam

Practical Investigation – 30% – externally set 20 hour controlled assessment

Programming Project – 30% – externally set 20 hour controlled assessment

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Independent Study

Independent study is crucial for passing this course. We provide a number of

resources which pupils can use to study in their own time. The following links

are online courses which pupils can use in their own time. We also have other

resources in class which pupils can access.

http://codecademy.com

http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org

http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/

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Post 16

This course provides a stepping stone to A Level Computing and further.

Computing is a valued skill in many industries today.

Computing degrees can be taken in a whole host of areas including:

1. Engineering

2. Science

3. Animation and Games Design

4. Oxford University even offers a Philosophy and Computing degree!

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Edexcel GCSE ICTBartholomew Computing Department

Contents

Why study ICT?

Course Description

Key Subject Aims

Assessment

Post-16

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Why study ICT?

Pupils become more discerning and intelligent users of ICT and can make informed decisions about

its use

They have the opportunity to acquire and apply creative technical skills, knowledge and

understanding of ICT in a range of contexts

Pupils develop their understanding of new technologies and their impact on society

Pupils take a practical approach to developing digital products

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Course Description

Pupils complete two units across two years:

Unit 1 – Living in a Digital World (theory)

Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools (Controlled Assessment)

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Unit 1 – Living in a Digital World

In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of

individuals, organisations and society.

They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues

raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure,

shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move).

They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the

features of safe, secure and responsible practice.

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Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools

This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and

capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce

effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.

They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to

adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

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Key subject aims

become independent and discerning users of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its use and aware of its implications for individuals, organisations and society

acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts

develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems

develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and their social and commercial impact

develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues raised by ICT

recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice

develop the skills to work collaboratively

evaluate ICT-based solutions.

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Assessment

Unit 1 (worth 40%)

This unit is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked

by Edexcel.

The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.

Unit 2 (worth 60%)

The unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions.

Students must complete a controlled assessment task provided by Edexcel.

Students must complete the task within 40 hours.

Marking of the task is carried out by teachers and moderated by Edexcel against

set assessment criteria.

The total number of marks available for the controlled assessment task is 80.

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Post 16

This course provides a stepping stone to A Level ICT and further.

ICT is seen as a good complement to Business Studies and Product Design

courses

There are many degrees in Information Technology available at universities

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