Computer Systems
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Why this why now
As pupils progress through the GCSE, it is important they understand what happens inside the computer systems they rely on every day. This unit gives them the knowledge to see beyond the screen, showing how simple logical operations form the foundation of all computing processes. By understanding how data is stored and managed, pupils can make informed decisions about storage solutions and appreciate the trade-offs between different technologies. Exploring the environmental impact of computing encourages pupils to think critically about how digital systems affect the world.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils recognise what computer systems are.
- Pupils understand that computer systems read inputs and process them to produce outputs.
- Pupils understand how computer system carry out instructions they are given.
- Pupils can identify a variety of hardware that is used in computer systems.
Threads
Why this why now
As pupils progress through the GCSE, it is important they understand what happens inside the computer systems they rely on every day. This unit gives them the knowledge to see beyond the screen, showing how simple logical operations form the foundation of all computing processes. By understanding how data is stored and managed, pupils can make informed decisions about storage solutions and appreciate the trade-offs between different technologies. Exploring the environmental impact of computing encourages pupils to think critically about how digital systems affect the world.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils recognise what computer systems are.
- Pupils understand that computer systems read inputs and process them to produce outputs.
- Pupils understand how computer system carry out instructions they are given.
- Pupils can identify a variety of hardware that is used in computer systems.
Computer Systems
In this unit pupils will discover the difference between general purpose and embedded systems. They will examine computer architecture and the components that make up a processor. Pupils will recognise the need for storage and be able to select a suitable storage device for a given purpose.
8 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Computer Systems unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our AQA secondary computer science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for AQA secondary computer science programmes.