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The Marlborough Science Academy

Computer Science

Students who choose to study Computer Science at Key Stage 4 will follow the OCR Computer Science (9 – 1) course.

The areas covered in the course include:

  • Unit 1: Computer Systems - This unit includes topics such as systems architecture, memory, wired and wireless networks, network topologies and system security.
  • Unit 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming - This unit will include topics such as algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs and computational logic.
  • Unit 3: Programming project - In this unit you will analyse a series of problems and use your programming skills to create software which solve each problem.

The types of tasks that will be completed are:

  • 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
  • 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.

The course is assessed through:

  • Controlled Assessment
    20% of the work on the course will be assessed through controlled assessments. Unit 3 (the programming project) is the controlled assessment element. Students will have 20 hours to complete their work.
  • Examination
    80% of the final mark will come from two 1 hour 30 minute written examinations at the end of the course. These examinations cover Unit 1 and Unit 2 as detailed above.

There is a huge shortage of ICT skills in the workforce and this qualification opens the doors to jobs in the Computing Science industry such as programming software or web apps. The skills developed will also lend themselves to analytical jobs in Mathematics or the Science industries.

Curriculum Implementation 

Click here to view the curriculum implementation overview for Computer Science at Key Stage 4. 

Curriculum Timelines 

Click here to view the curriculum timeline for Computer Science at Key Stage 4. 

Curriculum Learning Journey 

Click on the links below to view the Computer Science learning journey's:

Knowledge Organisers 

Click the links below to access the Computer Science knowledge organisers:

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