1. GCSE Computing
Year 10

2. What is computing?
With the person next to you briefly discuss what you think computing is…

3. What is computing?
Computing refers to what we have to do in order to get a solution to a problem by mathematical or numerical means.
Computer science, which is the use of computing to inform the design of equipment and processes to manipulate data, is underpinned by it!

4. Algorithms These are the steps needed to carry out a task.
Computing is concerned with solving problems using algorithms and the equipment needed to do this.
44p8

5. Computers and Information
Computers were developed to make our lives easier
New ways of using them are being developed all the time
They have changed the way we think about and understand the wider world
How is information measured?

6. A BIT more…
In 1948 Claude Shannon finally questioned how information was being transmitted along wires (during phonecalls).
He published a paper that laid the foundations for what we know as the information age!
He showed the importance of information to EVERYTHING and that it could be measured (quantified) and came up with the concept of a “bit”

7. With the powerful ideas of algorithms and the nature of information, computer science has transformed our lives and is still (at times) one of the most exciting areas to study.

8. Course Information
Unit A451 Written Paper 1hr30mins 40% Unit A452 Controlled Assessment (Investigation) About 20 hours 30% Unit A453 – IBM in to help with this Controlled Assessment (create solutions to tasks)

9. A451 - Theory Fundamentals of computer systems Computer hardware
Software
Representation of data in computer systems
Databases
Computer communication and networking
Programming

10. A453 – IBM Controlled Assessment
Programming techniques (18)
Design (9)
Development (9)
Testing and evaluation (9)

11. Admin Work You will have A4 ring binders
These need to be labelled, dividers will be put in them and labelled (these have gone missing!)
Textbooks will be used to help you along the way
Timescales of theory/controlled assessment etc.

12. Why chose computer science?
On the post it write your name and why you chose computing for GCSE
You do not have to share these with others in the class but I will ask for some volunteers and I will read them all!