OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
Computer Science This qualification develops computational thinking, problem-solving, and programming skills. Students learn how computers work, how to design and debug programs, and how technology influences modern society. AQA GCSE Computer Science builds logical thinking and digital literacy, providing an excellent foundation for A-Level Computer Science and technology-focused careers such as software engineering, cybersecurity, and data science. Main Areas of Content The course is divided into two main components: 1. Computational Thinking and Problem Solving • Algorithms, programming techniques, and computational logic • Data representation, binary, and Boolean logic
Design & Technology This qualification develops creativity, practical problem-solving, and technical knowledge through the design and manufacture of products. Students learn to combine innovation with materials science, engineering principles, and sustainability considerations. AQA GCSE Design and Technology prepares learners for further study in Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, and a wide range of creative and technical careers.
Main Areas of Content The course is divided into two main areas: 1. Core Technical Principles • Properties and uses of materials (wood, metal, polymers, textiles, paper & board) • Mechanical devices, electronics, and structural elements • Sustainability, environmental considerations, and energy use • Design processes, ergonomics, and anthropometrics 2. Designing and Making Principles • Investigating design contexts and user needs • D eveloping prototypes and working drawings • Evaluating designs for function, quality, and sustainability • Using CAD/CAM and modern manufacturing techniques Course Details: AQA GCSE Design and Technology I. Qualification Code: 8552 II. Assessment Structure: • Written Exam: Technical Principles Duration: 2 hours Marks: 100 Weighting: 50%
• Computing Concepts and Application
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes Marks: 90 Weighting: 50% Format: Written exam covering theoretical concepts, impacts of digital technology, and cyber security
Question Types: Multiple choice, structured, and extended response Potential Trips and Enrichment • Coding workshops or hackathons with local tech companies or universities • Visits to science and technology museums • Guest speakers from the IT, gaming, or cybersecurity industries • Online coding competitions such as the Bebras Challenge or Cyber Discovery
• Systems architecture and memory • Networks, security, and ethical implications of computing on business 2. Practical Programming and Theory Application • Writing, refining, and testing programs in Python or another suitable language • Application of computational thinking to real-world problems • Practical skills integrated into theoretical assessments Course Details: AQA GCSE Computer Science I. Qualification Code: 8525 II. Assessment Structure: • Paper 1: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving Duration: 2 hours Marks: 90 Weighting: 50%
• Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): Design and Make Project Duration: Approx. 30–35 hours Marks: 100 Weighting: 50% Format: A single design-and-make task set by AQA, assessed internally and moderated externally Focus: Investigating, designing, making, and evaluating a prototype in response to a contextual challenge Potential Trips and Enrichment • Visits to design museums or architecture firms • STEM or engineering workshops at local universities • Guest speakers from product design, fashion, or manufacturing industries • National competitions like the Design Ventura or Engineering Education Scheme
Format: Written paper assessing core technical principles, designing and making principles, and specialist technical principles Question Types: Multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions based on contexts
Format: Written exam with practical programming and problem-solving scenarios
Question Types: Short-answer, long- answer, and structured questions requiring algorithmic thinking
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