GCSE Computer Science

Computing is highly creative subject which allows students to understand technology so that they can use it to solve problems. The subject is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computer Science as a discipline itself and as an ‘underpinning’ subject across science and engineering is growing rapidly.

GCSE Computer Science offers a thorough introduction to the world of theoretical and applied computing. Students will learn about the theoretical computing fundamentals that include knowing the hardware components of the computer systems around us, as well as the software that makes them usable.

This is a very much hands-on course. The students are expected to develop programs and explore new concepts on their own machines. The theoretical parts of the course intertwine with the application of these ideas.

Enthusiasm and willingness to problem-solve is at the core of success in Computer Science.

The school will start the new GCSE programme next year. The complete specification can be found here:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science-and-it/gcse/computer-science-8525

Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills

What’s assessed

Computational thinking, code tracing, problem-solving, programming concepts including the design of effective algorithms and the designing, writing, testing and refining of code.

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 90 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: Computing concepts

What’s assessed

How it’s assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • 90 marks
  • 50% of GCSE

Contact for further information

Mrs MC Patterson: mcp@wellingtoncollege.org.uk