The exam board for this course will be OCR and the course code is J277.

There have been changes made from the previous course code.

This course is assessed by two written examinations.

Component 01 - Computer Systems (50% 1 hour and 30 min exam - 80 marks)

Component 02 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50% 1 hour and 30 min exam - 80 marks)

Component 01: Computer systems

(50% 1 hour and 30 min exam – 80 marks)

1.1 Systems architecture

1.2 Memory and storage

1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols

1.4 Network security

1.5 Systems software

1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Assessment overview

Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE 80 marks

This is a non-calculator paper.

All questions are mandatory.

This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.

Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

(50% 1 hour and 30 min exam – 80 marks)

2.1 Algorithms

2.2 Programming fundamentals

2.3 Producing robust programs

2.4 Boolean logic

2.5 Programming languages and integrated development environments

Assessment overview

Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of total GCSE 80 marks

This is a non-calculator paper.

This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections.

All questions are mandatory.

In Section B, questions assessing students’ ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with.

Recommended materials: Revision guide and exam practice workbook

Tips: Read content, produce revision resources, practice exam questions

Resources: Available on Google Classroom, the student shared area, various websites, revision guide, work completed both paper-based and electronic

Use the Personal Learning Checklist to determine where strengths and weaknesses are and revisit this consistently