1 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Introduction to the new specification GCSE Computer Science Paul Varey

1 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Introduction to the new specification

GCSE Computer Science

Paul Varey


Structure of the session

Introduction and overview of the new specification• Principles and key features• Specification at a glance

Subject content outline

Break

Assessment overview• Controlled assessment• External assessment

Support and resources


Meeting objectives

• To understand the essential elements of the specification structure, teaching content and assessment

• To start thinking about the implications for teaching and learning

• To review the resources and support available from AQA

• To enable you to ask any questions of a senior examiner


Underlying principles• To provide a relevant and interesting Computer Science course

• To support techniques and theories integral to other subjects such as science and engineering

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the Computing challenges arising from rapidly changing business and social environments

• To enable students to appreciate how Computing is used in the real world

• To provide the skills to control devices rather than simply using software created by others


Key features 1

• Provides sound progression from KS3

• Offers relevant and interesting content for study

• Focuses on the use of mobile devices, web-related technologies and gaming as well as more traditional programming

• Gives centres the choice of programming language to be studied

• Offers a choice of controlled assessment task

• Students have the opportunity to develop team-working skills


Key features 2

• Enables progression to A-level, vocational qualifications, industry recognised IT courses and provides skills that are desirable in the workplace

• Is an alternative to GCSE ICT

• Could be delivered alongside GCSE ICT

• Will count toward school/college performance tables


Why choose this course?

• Based on extensive feedback from teachers

• Different in focus from other GCSE ICT/Computing courses

• Has academic rigour which will be attractive to GCSE students at all levels and their teachers

• Takes account of industry concerns in the Computer Science field


Specification at a glance

Component 1:Practical programming

Controlled Assessment

60% Untiered • 2 tasks of 25 hours each

• Submitted electronically or on paper

• 126 marks - 63 marks per task

Component 2:Computing fundamentals

Written Paper

40% Untiered • 84 marks

• Paper-based or on-screen version


Subject content


Overview of the subject content

• Computer Hardware

• Computer Networking

• Algorithms

• Programming Techniques

• Software Development Life Cycle

• Database Concepts


Assessment


Controlled assessment Ofqual conditions

• Task Setting - High level of controlAQA will set the task, but centres allowed to contextualise

• Task Taking - Medium level of controlMost of the work is to be done under ‘informal supervision’ but students can carry out research athome

• Task Marking - Medium level of controlCentres will mark students’ tasks and this will bemoderated by AQA


Controlled assessment task

• Scenario-based tasks using engaging and relevant contexts

• Students create an appropriate software solution that meets the needs of an end user

• Allows students to focus on an area that interests them

• Tasks can be contextualised


The specimen controlled assessment task


Marking criteria

Design of solution 9 marks

Solution development 9 marks

Programming techniques used 36 marks

Testing and evaluation 9 marks

Total 63 marks


The specimen question paper and mark scheme


Support and resources


• AQA website

• e-AQA

• Secure Key Materials

• ERA (Enhanced Results Analysis)

• TOLS (Teacher Online Standardisation)

AQA tools


• FREE Preparing to Teach courses

• To offer teacher training courses

• Developing teacher and learner resources

Support and resourcing


Timeline 1

First teaching of GCSE in Computer Science

Controlled assessment advisers allocated

February

Draft Specification, specimen Question Papers, Mark Schemes and Controlled Assessment Tasks published

September 2012

FREE Introductory web conferences

Accredited specification published

FREE Preparing to Teach courses

March MayApril June July / August

Teacher and learner resources published


Timeline 2

Standardisation meetings for the Controlled Assessment component

Autumn 2012

Release of first controlled assessment tasks

Teacher training courses available

Autumn 2013Spring 2013 Summer 2013

Additional teacher and learner resources published


Availability

Component 1Practical

programming

Component 2Computing

fundamentals

CertificationFor GCSE

award

June 2014

June 2015 and after

100% terminal assessment


• Start course in September 2012 for 2-year study

• First controlled assessment moderation June 2014 - submission to AQA by 7 May

• First exam June 2014

• First GCSE certification June 2014

Administration summary


Where to get help

• Subject [email protected] 958 3860

• Teacher Support [email protected] 957 3646

• Ask AQA

• Controlled Assessment Advisors

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Thank you for your participation

Documents

1 Copyright © 2010 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved. Introduction to the new specification GCSE Computer Science Paul Varey