GCSE Computer Science

To educate students to be successful, ethical, and effective problem-solvers; enabling them to utilise these computational skills within other subjects. Fostering knowledge and expertise to contribute positively to the economic well-being and tackling complex 21st Century digital and computational challenges.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.

It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / UNDERSTANDING

The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:

An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.

The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so.

The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically, and critically.

The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.

ASSESSMENT

The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science consists of two externally examined written assessments.

Component 1

Computer Systems Exam

1.5 Hours

50 % of total GCSE

Component 2

Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming Exam

1.5 Hours

50 % of total GCSE

This paper will have two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. In Section B student’s ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using the OCR Reference Language or the high-level language they are familiar with [Python].

HOW PARENTS / CARERS CAN HELP

BBC Click videos to enhance awareness of new technologies.

Encourage reading of technology magazines such as “Hello”.

Watch the news on television.

Use of free programming websites such as Code Club & Trinket.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Where possible the department aims to organise enrichment for students where they can handle cutting edge technology and work with Engineers, Technologists and Scientists to explore computing beyond the classroom.

The department has strong links with Cisco where students attend workshops to see cybersecurity, network, and software development in action.

RECOMMENDED READING / OTHER RESOURCES

Information about the course - https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j276-from-2016/

E-RESOURCES

Letts - GCSE Success - Download free audio book from

www.collins.co.uk/lettsGCSErevision

Coding Club code cards

http://codingclub.co.uk/codecards/index.php

Flashcards

https://www.cram.com/flashcards/ocr-computer-science-revision-6714147

https://www.brainscape.com/subjects/gcse-computer-science

https://quizlet.com/24669700/ocr-computing-gcse-flash-cards/