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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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