Miss V Tatler Computer Science Subject Leader GCSE Computer Science Miss V Tatler Computer Science Subject Leader

NOT ‘ICT’, which is a skills based course What is Computing? Study of how computers and computer systems work How they are constructed and programmed It is a discipline - explores foundation principles and ideas NOT ‘ICT’, which is a skills based course CAS - We use the terms 'computing', 'computer science', and 'computing science' interchangeably. Computing is complementary to, but quite different from Information and Communication Technology (ICT). ICT is about the use of computers and their applications. Computing is about their design and implementation. To use the analogy of a car: ICT is the equivalent of teaching how to drive a car, and how to navigate it. Once basic skills have been learned (how to use the clutch), the emphasis is on appropriate choice of destination, how to drive safely, how to develop a good route to the destination, how to choose which car is the right vehicle. Everyone should be able to drive, and similarly every student should possess basic ICT skills, and some knowledge of how to use them. Computing is the equivalent of teaching automotive engineering: how the clutch works, how to design new cars, and how to maintain existing ones. Computing is more than just programming, which in the car analogy would be the equivalent of metalwork. Not everyone needs to know how to design or maintain a car. Similarly, only a subset of (able) students will want to study Computing, just as only a subset want to study work in the automotive or related industry.

Why study GCSE Computing? We live in a digitised, computerised, programmable world and to make sense of it we need computing Become innovators of new technology not just users Computing has a huge impact on modern life Subject is rigorous, exciting and varied Excellent job prospects - Demand for IT professionals estimated to be up 15% in next 8 years, number of students aiming for jobs in the industry has fallen by 50% since 2001

Skills that GCSE Computing will develop Logical reasoning Algorithmic thinking Design and structured problem solving Computational thinking Analysis and creativity How to deal with real world and business constraints

GCSE Computing GCSE Computing A451 Computer Systems and Programming 40% of total GCSE 80 Marks Written Exam Paper 1 Hour 30 Minutes A452 Practical Investigation 30% of total GCSE 45 Marks Controlled Assessment Approx. 20 Hours A453 Programming Project

A451 - Computer systems and programming This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems on which the examination will be based.

A452 - Practical investigation An investigative computing task completed under controlled conditions which assesses the following: research, technical, understanding, analysis of problem, historical perspective, use of technical writing skills, recommendations/evaluation.

A453 - Programming Project Students will need to: • Understand standard programming techniques • Be able to design a coded solution to a problem including the ability to: Develop suitable algorithms Design suitable input and output formats Identify suitable variables and structures Identify test procedures.

Computer Science V ICT ICT is about using computer applications as a support tool. This builds upon the skills taught in ICT lessons. Computing is about learning how the computer works and how to program the computer. The two subjects are so different in content, that it is possible to choose both subjects.

All information from tonight can be accessed from the Computer Science subject page of the school website