Introduction to GCSE and ICT

1. OCR GCSE Computing
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2. Bartholomew ICT and Computing Department 2

3. Contents
 Why study Computing?
 Course Description
 Skills Required
 Assessment
 Links and other Resources
 Post-16
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4. Why study Computing?
 It informs us as to how our computers, which we rely on, function
 It gives you opportunities for many future careers
 It is a discipline which informs other subjects as well such as maths or physics
 It is a problem-solving subject
 It is creative!
 We use real-world tools
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5. Course Description
 Pupils complete three units across two years:
 Unit A451 – Computer Systems and programming (Theory)
 Unit A452 – Practical Investigation (Controlled Assessment)
 Unit A453 – Programming project (Controlled Assessment)
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6. A451 – Computer Systems and
Programming (Theory)
 This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems on which the
examination will be based. The theory is covered across year 10 and year 11.
The following topics will be covered in theory lessons:
 Fundamentals of Computer Systems
 Computing Hardware
 Computing Software
 Representation of data in computer systems
 Databases
 Computer communications and networking
 Programming
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7. Textbooks
 There are a number of textbooks which we recommend for the subject. We
do not teach from one specific textbook.
 Links go to Amazon
 GCSE Computing – Susan Robson
 OCR GCSE Computing official textbook
 Revision Guide for GCSE Computing
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8. A452 Practical Investigation (Controlled
Assessment)
 This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity to carry out a
practical investigation into a computing issue and engage them with
computing in the real world.
 They will produce a report in which the topic is analysed, justified and
evaluated showing evidence of the practical work undertaken. Some past
projects have looked at:
1. System Management using Linux
2. The Little Man Computer
3. Developing Apps with Android
4. Validation using web-forms and Javascript
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9. A453 Programming Project (Controlled
Assessment)
 This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity to program a
complete solution for a specified problem or scenario.
 They will produce a solution to cover the complete life-cycle including an
analysis, implementation, testing and evaluation.
 Previous projects have included
1. An Encryption Program
2. An Interactive Maths Quiz
3. A Hangman Game
4. A Password Strength Application
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10. Skills Required
 Logic and Problem Solving
 A Love for How Things Work
 Perseverance
 Team Working Skills
 Creativity
 Independence
 Read and Write a lot of Code
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11. Assessment
 Computer Systems and Programming – 40% – 90 minute written exam
 Practical Investigation – 30% – externally set 20 hour controlled assessment
 Programming Project – 30% – externally set 20 hour controlled assessment
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12. Independent Study
 Independent study is crucial for passing this course. We provide a number of
resources which pupils can use to study in their own time. The following links
are online courses which pupils can use in their own time. We also have other
resources in class which pupils can access.
 http://codecademy.com
 http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org
 http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/
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13. Post 16
 This course provides a stepping stone to A Level Computing and further.
Computing is a valued skill in many industries today.
 Computing degrees can be taken in a whole host of areas including:
1. Engineering
2. Science
3. Animation and Games Design
4. Oxford University even offers a Philosophy and Computing degree!
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15. Edexcel GCSE ICT
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16. Contents
 Why study ICT?
 Course Description
 Key Subject Aims
 Assessment
 Post-16
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17. Why study ICT?
 Pupils become more discerning and intelligent users of ICT and can make informed decisions about
its use
 They have the opportunity to acquire and apply creative technical skills, knowledge and
understanding of ICT in a range of contexts
 Pupils develop their understanding of new technologies and their impact on society
 Pupils take a practical approach to developing digital products
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18. Course Description
 Pupils complete two units across two years:
 Unit 1 – Living in a Digital World (theory)
 Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools (Controlled Assessment)
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19. Unit 1 – Living in a Digital World
 In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of
individuals, organisations and society.
 They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues
raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure,
shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move).
 They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the
features of safe, secure and responsible practice.
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20. Unit 2 – Using Digital Tools
 This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and
capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce
effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.
 They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to
adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.
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21. Key subject aims
 become independent and discerning users of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its
use and aware of its implications for individuals, organisations and society
 acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a
range of contexts
 develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems
 develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and their social and
commercial impact
 develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues
raised by ICT
 recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice
 develop the skills to work collaboratively
 evaluate ICT-based solutions.
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22. Assessment
 Unit 1 (worth 40%)
 This unit is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked
by Edexcel.
 The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.
 Unit 2 (worth 60%)
 The unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions.
 Students must complete a controlled assessment task provided by Edexcel.
 Students must complete the task within 40 hours.
 Marking of the task is carried out by teachers and moderated by Edexcel against
set assessment criteria.
 The total number of marks available for the controlled assessment task is 80.
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23. Post 16
 This course provides a stepping stone to A Level ICT and further.
 ICT is seen as a good complement to Business Studies and Product Design
courses
 There are many degrees in Information Technology available at universities
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