GCSE Computer Science
OCR Computer Science (9-1) - J277
Welcome to Computer Science 2021-2023
Studying Computer Science empowers you to solve complex, challenging problems, enabling you to make a positive difference in the world.
The future possibilities for people with Computer Science skills are unlimited, and these skills are only going to become more important as emerging technologies become part of everyday life.
Computers are everywhere and computing skills are essential in a wide range of professions so understanding them puts you in charge of your world.
Course Overview
Component 01: Computer systems
Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, 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.
Component 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
Students apply knowledge and understanding gained in component 01. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.
Practical programming
Students are given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s) during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. Students will be assessed on these skills during the written examinations, in particular component 02 (section B).
Assessment Criteria
Examination Computer systems 50%
J277/01: Computer systems (Externally set exam hour 30 minutes):
Computer systems (Written Paper –50% of the GCSE)
Examination Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 50%
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
(Externally set exam 1 hour 30 minutes):
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50% of the GCSE)
Other Course Requirements
Pupils will need to have computers at home to access ‘Show My Homework’ and their ‘Google Classroom’ to access homework and class resources. Furthermore, Internet access is needed to support programming elements of the course and they need to have Python installed for the coding elements of the course.
Download the latest version of Python for Windows
Pupils will also need to buy the OCR Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbooks.
