School Publications | Page 24

ICT - Computer Science – WJEC - 4340 Course Outline This GCSE course in Computer Science offers and encourages candidates from all cultures and both genders to explore how computers work and communicate in a variety of contexts and to develop their interest in Computer Science by becoming creators of games, apps and systems, rather than simply using programs designed by others. There is ample opportunity for them to apply and consolidate their knowledge of computer programming by carrying out practical tasks that will develop their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence. They will develop the skills of design and evaluation, and they will test and problem-solve when errors occur in both their own systems and those of others. Computer Science develops valuable programming and computational thinking skills, which are increasingly relevant to a wide variety of jobs. Employers want workers with an understanding of rigorous principles that can be applied to changing technologies. Course Details 3 units will be undertaken over 2 years. Each unit comprises of 3 assessment objectives which lead to 100% total GCSE marks giving the student a single GCSE if all 3 units are completed. 1. 2. 3. Understanding Computer Science Solving Problems Using Computers Developing Computing Solutions Assessment Criteria Assessment is divided into three units: Unit 1 (45%) - 90 minute examination to assess understanding of the theory content of the specification. Unit 2 (30%) - 2 hour external assessment to assess the practical application of knowledge and understanding through a series of on-screen tasks. Unit 3 (25%) - internally assessed and externally moderated 15 hour controlled assessment to develop a piece of work using programming software following a task brief issued by WJEC. Students have a choice between 2 scenarios provided by WJEC. Career Prospects Computer Science provides opportunities to promote enterprise and entrepreneurial skills through the process of identifying an opportunity to design a system to meet a specific need, developing their own system and finally evaluating the whole process. Tasks linked to the controlled assignment provide opportunities to develop independent thinking skills, through candidates identifying relevant sources of information and developing specific performance criteria for their designs to guide their thinking.