Project Description

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GCSE Computer Science Course

Exam board: WJEC
Exam code: 3500QS

Computer Science, like mathematics, underpins a huge range of subjects, and has concepts and ways of working that do not change quickly over time, including programming, algorithms and data structures. A key skill that is developed is ‘computational thinking’ and this offers insightful ways to view how information operates in many natural and engineered systems.

Computer Science is computer programming which while seeming esoteric, is the closest that a student can come to thinking about thinking. It develops logic, rigour and problem solving and has led to Computer Science being dubbed ‘the new Latin’.

The subject of Computer Science is highly creative. This may seem self evident in the case of computer games, electronic art and computer generated music, but these examples from the creative industries perhaps conceal the fact that writing any computer program involves creativity in the virtual universe behind the screen. A well written computer program contains an intrinsic beauty and structure not unlike poetry.

This qualification develops student’s ability to apply ‘computational thinking’ and has a specification with a trusted approach and clear assessments accessible to all. It also fosters skills and knowledge for progression to further study.

No previous experience of computer programming is required.

 

Curriculum

The WJEC GCSE in Computer Science encourages students to:

  • understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer
    science, including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data
    representation
  • analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs to do so
  • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
  • understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they
    communicate with one another and with other systems
  •  understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider
    society
  •  apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

Computers are widely used in all aspects of business, industry, government, education, leisure and the home. In this technological age, a study of computer science, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of
problems, is essential to learners.

Assessment

The course is a mixture of both theory and practical program development. The theory of Computer Science is examined over two examination papers worth 80% of the overall GCSE. Topics covered include problem solving, data, communication, programming, computers and the Internet and the bigger picture. The remainder of the course consists of developing a computer programs.

This linear qualification will be available in May/June each year.

Summary of Assessments

Exam Access Arrangements

Exam access arrangements allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment without changing the demands of the assessment.
For example, readers, scribes and Braille question papers. In this way, Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’.

We can arrange exam access arrangements and assess you with our special assessor.  The deadline for application to the exam board is the February of the year the learner sits exams.

To find out more about exam access arrangements  click here

 

 

FAQs

Why should I choose Swansea College?

We offer a range of study options, we are flexible, offer tutor support, and interest-free payment plans make it easy to shape learning around your life.

We are registered with Estyn, our aims to give each student a complete education in which they achieve their academic potential and grow as an individual. As well as studying with us, you can sit your exams with us too.

The regular GCSE courses commence in September and an intake in January, these courses are designed to be taught in a classroom environment / online and follow a structured curriculum with a fixed schedule of classes, assessments and exams.

Distance Learning online courses can be started at any time throughout the year, and students can work at their own pace and in their own time.

You’ll sit the same GCSE exams at the same time as all the other students in the UK, and you’ll receive the same results, transcript and qualification. Your GCSE course will be accepted by colleges, universities and employers worldwide.

You can study GCSE courses through a range of study options; our blended learning which consists of online live classes and in person teaching in class, Online live classes only or Distant learning course.

IGCSE qualifications are ideal for those wanting to study for national qualifications by distance learning. Without all the administrative problems that encumber GCSE course work.

We offer a range of IGCSE Courses; see our Distance learning course page.

Choosing a tier isn’t always easy, particularly for languages, we can help you make a decision. Nobody is a better judge of a student’s ability than their teacher. Regular assessments and mock exams are a key part of our decision making.

If you are studying a distance learning course, we can assess you through the year through a range of assessments.

  • We offer subject support tutorials every month
  • 1:1 support from your subject tutor, online or by email
  • 24/7 access to the your online learning platform
  • Interactive online learning broken down into easy-to-follow units
  • Practice tests and mock exams marked by your tutor
  • Friendly student services team, so you’re never more than a message or phone call away from a helping hand

Of course, you can study this course part time, making sure you have said in your enrolment.

GCSE’s are usually a two year course, studying this in one year – would be an intensive course.
You may be able to complete this in one year as an intensive course, you need to show a strong understanding of the subject.

We offer GCSEs – part time in the evenings to adult learners.

We offer interest-free payment plans, you can pay monthly, termly or annually.

Choose the subject you would like to study, add to courses, complete our application form and you can choose to pay online.

If you’d like to set up an interest-free payment plan, get in touch with our Student Advisors on 01792 535 000.

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please let us know before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.

GCSE Computer Science Specification
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