Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage students to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
• Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs
• Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems
• Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society
• Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science

Assessment

J277/01: Computer systems (Written Exam: 50% of total GCSE – 1 Hour and 30 Minutes)

This component will assess:

• Systems architecture
• Memory and storage
• Computer networks, connections and protocols
• Network security
• Systems software
• Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

J277/02:Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Written Exam: 50% of total GCSE – 1 Hour and 30 Minutes)

This component will assess:

• Algorithms
• Programming fundamentals
• Producing robust programs
• Boolean logic
• Programming languages
• Integrated Development Environments

Both papers are non-calculator based.

Requirements

Computer Science requires a high level of Mathematics and Coding and you must have a passion to want to learn how to program using Python. Computer Science requires the understanding of how computers and technologies work, and how to develop software and games rather than learning how to use them. You will need to think creatively, be willing to problem solve and use computational thinking with a passion to further develop your computing skills and knowledge in an ever-changing technological world.

Where can it lead?

The knowledge and skills developed will help you to progress onto a range of academic pre-16 and post-16 study including:

• A Level Computer Science
• Cambridge Technicals IT Level 2 and 3
• University
• Apprenticeship Level 2 & 3 / Higher Apprenticeship

Computer Science works well with A-Levels in Mathematics and Science, but the links are endless with cross-curricular links to all other subjects to prepare you for the future involving technology in every field. Any degree or diploma in a Computing related subject. Exciting possible careers include Engineering, Cyber-Security, Games Developer or tester, Ethical Hacking, Multimedia programmer, Systems Analysist, Website Designer, Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Health Information Tech Specialists, Teaching, Animator, Bio-informatics Software Engineer, Computer Forensics, Data Scientist, Mobile Application Developer, Network Manager and AI.