GCSE Computer Science

Computers and computation are at the heart of our daily lives – everywhere from the gaming consoles in our homes to the life-saving machines in our hospitals. Studying computer science gives learners a unique set of skills to solve everyday problems creatively.

Learners taking this new GCSE Computer Science will develop a deeper understanding of how computation provides the foundation of our digital world and underpins the devices we use every day.

This qualification will help learners to apply computational thinking and develop the practical programming skills and confidence they need to tackle real-world problems by creating, refining and testing code for software and systems.

What will learners be assessed on?

  • Computer and systems architecture.

  • The structure of systems and how they communicate.

  • The software development life cycle.

  • Programming concepts.

  • Investigating computer science problems.

  • Designing solutions and using data modelling.

  • Using a specified programming language to write, test and refine code.

How will learners be assessed?

  1. On-screen exam (50%) taken in the final year of study: allowing learners to demonstrate their computer science knowledge and understanding.

  1. Coding assessment (50%) taken during the final year of study: allowing learners to apply their skills, knowledge and understanding in a practical assessment.

  • This assessment will be set and marked by the awarding body.

  • The context for the coding assessment will be released to learners during Year 10, offering a focus to the development of their practical skills and encouraging collaboration with others throughout their learning.

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements for this qualification, please read the full design proposal.  

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Computers and computation are at the heart of our daily lives – everywhere from the gaming consoles in our homes to the life-saving machines in our hospitals. Studying computer science gives learners a unique set of skills to solve everyday problems creatively.

Learners taking this new GCSE Computer Science will develop a deeper understanding of how computation provides the foundation of our digital world and underpins the devices we use every day.

This qualification will help learners to apply computational thinking and develop the practical programming skills and confidence they need to tackle real-world problems by creating, refining and testing code for software and systems.

What will learners be assessed on?

  • Computer and systems architecture.

  • The structure of systems and how they communicate.

  • The software development life cycle.

  • Programming concepts.

  • Investigating computer science problems.

  • Designing solutions and using data modelling.

  • Using a specified programming language to write, test and refine code.

How will learners be assessed?

  1. On-screen exam (50%) taken in the final year of study: allowing learners to demonstrate their computer science knowledge and understanding.

  1. Coding assessment (50%) taken during the final year of study: allowing learners to apply their skills, knowledge and understanding in a practical assessment.

  • This assessment will be set and marked by the awarding body.

  • The context for the coding assessment will be released to learners during Year 10, offering a focus to the development of their practical skills and encouraging collaboration with others throughout their learning.

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements for this qualification, please read the full design proposal.  

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Page last updated: 14 Dec 2023, 02:28 PM