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Session 2010-12
COMPUTER STUDIES (0420)
Course Outline – Grades 9 and 10
Philosophy Statement of Teaching and Learning in Computer Studies at Pathways World School
At Pathways World School we believe that teaching and learning in Computer Studies is most effective
when teachers, students and parents work together in the following ways:
Computer Studies course enables candidates to develop an interest in computing and gain confidence in
the use of computers. Student develops an appreciation of the broad range of computer applications, in
order to improve their understanding of the power and versatility of the computer and the benefits of its
use, but also its limitations and potential disadvantages. Computer Studies course is an ideal foundation
for further study at A Level, and the skills learnt can also be used in other areas of study and in everyday
life.
Aims
The aims of the Computer Studies syllabus are to enable candidates to:
• develop an appreciation of the range and power of computer applications.
• foster an interest in, enjoyment of, and confidence in the use of computing.
• develop the ability to solve problems using computing techniques.
• develop an awareness of the place of computing in society and issues computing raises in society.
• gain a firm understanding of the basic techniques and knowledge required for computing
applications.
 develop a desire to use computers within other interests.ims
Objectives
There are three assessment objectives for the Computer Studies course.
A Knowledge and understanding
Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of computing, in relation to:
•
The range and scope of information processing applications
•
The effects of the use of computers, both practical and social
•
The range of equipment, tools and techniques used to solve problems
•
The functions of the main hardware and software components of information-processing systems
•
Appropriate terminology
B Problem-solving and realisation
Students should be able to:
•
Identify problems
•
Analyse problems by considering relevant functional, practical, human and economic factors
•
Draw
•
Select from a range of resources those which are most suitable for solving problems
•
Develop
•
Implement solutions using equipment, tools and techniques sensibly
•
Test, evaluate and refine solutions systematically
•
Document solutions to problems
within the field of information processing
up specifications for the computer-based solutions of problems
solutions using appropriate methods
C Communication
Students should be able to:
•
interpret and organise information
•
recognise and present information in a variety of forms
• communicate in appropriate ways information about applications of computers, problems and their
solutions
Course Pre-requisites
Any student who has studied ICT as a subject in the Middle School and has aptitude for programming is
eligible to do this course.
Content and Skills
CONTENT
Grade 9 - Semester 1 : (August to December)
Unit 1:
August –
Section 1: Applications of computers and their social and economic implications.
1) The range and scope of computer applications.
2) The social and economic implications of the use of computers.
Assessment:Formative1. Powerpoint presentation on the above topics.
2. Class discussion on social and economic implications of the use of computer.
3. Classroom
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
September –
Section 2: Systems Analysis
3) Analysis
4) Design
Assessment:Formative1. Powerpoint presentation on the above topics.
2. Classroom
3. Lab work
Summative- Case Study
Unit 2:
October –
Section 2: Systems Analysis
5) Implementation
6) Documentation
7) Evaluation/maintenance
Assessment:Formative1. Case Study
2. Classroom
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
November –
Sample Coursework on the basis of Section 2.
Assessment:Formative1. Coursework
2. Lab work
Summative-Theory test from past papers on all the topics covered till yet.
December –
Section 3: Problem solution including algorithm design and programming concepts.
8) Methods relating to the solution of a problem
Assessment:Formative- Classroom
Summative-Semester exams
Grade 9 - Semester 2 : (January to May)
Unit 3:
Jan –
Section 3: Problem solution including algorithm design and programming concepts.
9) Algorithms and their method of representation ,logic gates and circuits
.
Assessment:Formative- Homework to write algorithms on the topic given in the class.
Feb –
Section 3: Problem solution including algorithm design and programming concepts.
10) Worked examples
Assessment:Formative1. Class discussion
2. Algorithm practice worksheet.
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
Unit 4:
March –
Section 4: Software and data organization
11) Software
12) Data
Assessment:Formative1. Class discussion
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
April –
Section 5: Hardware, Systems and Communications
13) Hardware
Assessment:Formative1. Class discussion
2. Powerpoint presentation on the above topic.
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
May –
Revision for exams
Assessment:Summative- Final school exams.
Grade 10 - Semester 1 : (August to December)
Unit 5:
August –
Section 5: Hardware, Systems and Communications
14) Systems and communications
15) Types of systems
Assessment:Formative1. Powerpoint presentation on the above topics.
2. Class discussion
Summative- Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
September –
Section 6: Course work
Assessment:Formative1. Surprise class test.
Summative- Coursework.
Unit 6:
October –
Section 6: Course work
Assessment:Formative1. Quizz on visual basic.
2. Classroom
3. Lab work
Summative- Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
November –
Section 6: Course work
Assessment:Formative- Labwork
Summative1. Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
2. Course Work
December –
Section 6: Course work
Assessment:Formative- Labwork
Summative- Pre-mocks
Grade 10 - Semester 2 : (January to May)
January – March: Course work and Exam revision
Assessment:Formative1. Surprise Test
2. Class room
Summative-Theory test from past papers on the above topics.
April:
Assessment:Summative- Mock Exams
Revision from past years papers will be done throughout the course
Expectations
Students are expected to come prepared for the current topic, They are expected to do the research work
related to the topic covered in the class using internet and books and magazines in the library,. They
should keep their notes and assignments up to date in their folder.
Students are also expected to participate in classroom activities and contribute to class discussions and
make full use of their learning to apply in different areas.
Text Book: COMPUTER STUDIES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BY Chris Leadbetter and Stewart
Wainwright (to be bought from school stationary and text book shop)
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Students take Paper 1, and either Paper 2 or Paper 3. Students must be entered for one of the
following options:
Option 1:
Option 2:
Paper 1 and Paper 2
Paper 1 and Paper 3
Candidates take:
Paper 1: Theoretical paper
2 hours 30 minutes
This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. There is no choice of
questions.
75% of total marks
And either:
Or:
Paper 2: Coursework (school-based assessment)
Paper 3: Alternative to coursework 1½
hours
This written paper contains short-answer
and structured questions. There is no
choice of questions.
This is a single piece of coursework of a
complex nature, which involves the use of a
computer to solve a specific problem.
Candidates do the coursework over an
extended period. The coursework enables
candidates to use their skills and experience
gained during the course to analyse, design,
implement, test and evaluate the solution to a
problem.
25% of total marks
25% of total marks