1 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Introduction to the new specification GCSE Computer Science Paul Varey

2 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Structure of the session Introduction and overview of the new specification Principles and key features Specification at a glance Subject content outline Break Assessment overview Controlled assessment External assessment Support and resources

3 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Meeting objectives To understand the essential elements of the specification structure, teaching content and assessment To start thinking about the implications for teaching and learning To review the resources and support available from AQA To enable you to ask any questions of a senior examiner

4 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Underlying principles To provide a relevant and interesting Computer Science course To support techniques and theories integral to other subjects such as science and engineering To develop knowledge and understanding of the Computing challenges arising from rapidly changing business and social environments To enable students to appreciate how Computing is used in the real world To provide the skills to control devices rather than simply using software created by others

5 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Key features 1 Provides sound progression from KS3 Offers relevant and interesting content for study Focuses on the use of mobile devices, web-related technologies and gaming as well as more traditional programming Gives centres the choice of programming language to be studied Offers a choice of controlled assessment task Students have the opportunity to develop team-working skills

6 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Key features 2 Enables progression to A-level, vocational qualifications, industry recognised IT courses and provides skills that are desirable in the workplace Is an alternative to GCSE ICT Could be delivered alongside GCSE ICT Will count toward school/college performance tables

7 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Why choose this course? Based on extensive feedback from teachers Different in focus from other GCSE ICT/Computing courses Has academic rigour which will be attractive to GCSE students at all levels and their teachers Takes account of industry concerns in the Computer Science field

8 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Specification at a glance Component 1: Practical programming Controlled Assessment 60%Untiered2 tasks of 25 hours each Submitted electronically or on paper 126 marks - 63 marks per task Component 2: Computing fundamentals Written Paper 40%Untiered84 marks Paper-based or on-screen version

9 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Subject content

10 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Overview of the subject content Computer Hardware Computer Networking Algorithms Programming Techniques Software Development Life Cycle Database Concepts

11 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Assessment

12 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Controlled assessment Ofqual conditions Task Setting - High level of control AQA will set the task, but centres allowed to contextualise Task Taking - Medium level of control Most of the work is to be done under ‘informal supervision’ but students can carry out research at home Task Marking - Medium level of control Centres will mark students’ tasks and this will be moderated by AQA

13 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Controlled assessment task Scenario-based tasks using engaging and relevant contexts Students create an appropriate software solution that meets the needs of an end user Allows students to focus on an area that interests them Tasks can be contextualised

14 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The specimen controlled assessment task

15 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Marking criteria Design of solution9 marks Solution development9 marks Programming techniques used36 marks Testing and evaluation9 marks Total63 marks

16 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. The specimen question paper and mark scheme

17 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Support and resources

18 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. AQA website e-AQA Secure Key Materials ERA (Enhanced Results Analysis) TOLS (Teacher Online Standardisation) AQA tools

19 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. FREE Preparing to Teach courses To offer teacher training courses Developing teacher and learner resources Support and resourcing

20 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Timeline 1 First teaching of GCSE in Computer Science Controlled assessment advisers allocated February Draft Specification, specimen Question Papers, Mark Schemes and Controlled Assessment Tasks published September 2012 FREE Introductory web conferences Accredited specification published FREE Preparing to Teach courses March May April June July / August Teacher and learner resources published

21 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Timeline 2 Standardisation meetings for the Controlled Assessment component Autumn 2012 Release of first controlled assessment tasks Teacher training courses available Autumn 2013Spring 2013Summer 2013 Additional teacher and learner resources published

22 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Availability Component 1 Practical programming Component 2 Computing fundamentals Certification For GCSE award June 2014 June 2015 and after 100% terminal assessment

23 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Start course in September 2012 for 2-year study First controlled assessment moderation June submission to AQA by 7 May First exam June 2014 First GCSE certification June 2014 Administration summary

24 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Where to get help Subject Manager Teacher Support Manager Ask AQA Controlled Assessment Advisors

25 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Thank you for your participation