Computer Science
Staffing of the department
Ms Remy – Head of Department
Educational philosophy/Aims of the curriculum
At St Ursula’s we offer a high-quality computing education that meets new statutory guidance for the subject. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computer Science also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.
KS4 curriculum
The curriculum for computing aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation
- Can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems
- Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems
- Are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
KS4 Programme of study
Component 1 – Computer Systems
The first component is an exam focused on computer systems covering the physical elements of computer science and the associated theory.
Component 2 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming:
This component is an exam focused on the core theory of computer science and the application of computer science principles.
Component 3 – Programming Project (non-exam assessment)
This component is the non-exam assessment where candidates will be challenged by a range of exciting and engaging tasks to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.
Exam details
- OCR Computer Science
- 50% Computer systems (Exam)
- 50% Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Exam)
- Whilst the Programming Project does not count towards the final grade it is a requirement of the course
Links to useful sites for KS4 students, parents and members of the public
BBC Bitesize KS4
OCR Online Computer Science Course
Sample assessment material