Our GCSE Computer Science Tutors
In this increasingly technological age, many students are choosing to take Computer Science at GCSE and hiring a GCSE Computer Science Tutor. It is easy to see why: first launched in 2012, the Computer Science course is rigorous, demanding and equips teenagers with a host of workplace skills.
The GCSE course is designed to test pupils’ theoretical knowledge as well as their practical ability, and covers algorithms, programming, data representation and computer systems. On top of this, it encourages students to consider the ethical and legal implications of computing on society.
Our GCSE Computer Science tutors are here to help pupils navigate this exciting new subject. With years of teaching experience, our subject specialists have a proven track record of success and have seen a diverse range of GCSE students flourish under their expert guidance.
Many of our GCSE Computer Science tutors have taught at leading independent schools, while some are full-time professional tutors. Others have built careers in the tech industry and are keen to impart what they have learnt to the next generation.
All our tutors have degrees from top universities and have stood out in a rigorous recruitment process. At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors we interview all candidates in person to ensure we hand-pick the very best.
How our GCSE Computer Science Tutors Teach
GCSE Computer Science assesses abstract understanding and practical skill, and our tutors equip pupils with both. Through tailor-made study programmes, students learn at a pace that is right for them and receive the support they need to excel in the exam hall and beyond.
Whether our tutors are delivering an intensive revision course or teaching a subject from scratch, lessons are guaranteed to be rigorous, well-structured and – most important of all – engaging.
Exam preparation is central to our offering. Having taught GCSE Computer Science since the course was introduced, our tutors are highly familiar with the different syllabi and the way teenagers are assessed. We ensure our students know topics back-to-front and help them get to grips with tricky past papers, mark schemes and revision techniques.
Different students learn in different ways, and our Computer Science tutors can teach in-person or online. Similarly, while some teenagers require regular weekly lessons, others benefit from more intensive booster courses.
Our GCSE Computer Science Results
Exam Boards we Cover
AQA:
The AQA course covers: the fundamentals of algorithms, data representation, computer networks and cyber security, as well as programming, computer systems, the impact of digital technology on society and aspects of software development.
Students must take two written exams. The first lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes, is worth 50% of the course, and is a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and longer answer questions assessing practical problem solving and computational thinking skills.
The second exam is also 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 50% of the qualification. A mix of multiple choice, short answer, longer answer and extended response questions, it is designed to test a student’s theoretical knowledge.
Teenagers also undertake a programming project. This will involve writing a report, but will not affect a candidate’s final grade.
Pearson Edexcel:
This course consists of two primary components: the principles of computer science and the application of computational thinking.
Students must take two exams. The first is 1 hour 40 minutes and is worth 50% of the qualification. The paper consists of multiple choice, short open-response, open-response and extended open-response answer questions, and all questions are mandatory.
The second paper is 2 hours long and is worth 50% of the course. The exam is based on a scenario and consists of short open-response, open-response and extended open-response answer questions. All questions are mandatory.
Students also complete a programming project but it no longer contributes to the final grade.
Further information can be found on the popular Pearson Edexcel Website.
OCR:
OCR’s course is also formed of two parts. Component 1 – ‘computer systems’ – introduces students to the central processing unit, computer memory and storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science.
Meanwhile, in component 2 – ‘computational thinking, algorithms and programming’ – students apply knowledge and understanding gained in the first part of the course. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking such as algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic, translators and data representation.
Components 1 and 2 both involve a 1 hour 30 minute exam, in which calculators are not allowed.
A programming project is also part of the course but does not affect students final grades.
Eduqas:
Some schools use a lesser-known exam board called Eduqas. Unlike the others, this GCSE course is split into three parts:
Component 1: Understanding Computer Science. This is assessed via a 1 hour 45 minute exam and is worth 62.5% of the qualification.
Component 2: Computational Thinking and Programming. This is assessed via a2 hour on-screen examination and is worth 37.5% of the qualification.
Component 3: Software Development. This consists of a programming project involving 20 hours of work.
Is tuition right for your child?
One-to-one tuition allows students to learn at their own speed, pursue their own interests, and grapple with topics they find particularly difficult – luxuries that are not always available in the school classroom.
If you believe your child would benefit from tailored support – or feel they are not being sufficiently stretched by their teachers – private tuition could be for you.
