OCR GCSE

Computer Science

Key Contact: Mrs Kuhl

CAREER OPTIONS

Computing, Computer Programming, Computer Operations, IT Product Development, Systems Analyst, Technical Support.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable 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 strong mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

The OCR GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science consists of

two externally examined papers worth in total 100%

of the qualification and a non examined compulsory

assessment programming component.

Component 1 Overview

This component will introduce learners to the

Central Processing Unit (CPU), computer memory and

storage, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It is

expected that learners will become familiar with the

impact of Computer Science in a global context through the study of the ethical, legal, cultural and

environmental concerns associated with Computer

Science.

Component 2 Overview

This component incorporates and builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Component

1, encouraging learners to apply this knowledge and

understanding using computational thinking. Learners will be introduced to algorithms and programming; learn about programming techniques; how to produce robust programs, computational logic, data representation, translators and facilities of

programming languages. Learners will become familiar with computer related mathematics.

Component 3 Overview

Project: Students will undertake an independent programming project to develop a computer program

for a chosen scenario.

Students who study GCSE in Computer Science will gain practical experience of designing, writing, and testing computer programs, develop the ability to reason, explain and evaluate solutions, and develop awareness of current and emerging trends.

Note: the exam is a rigorous, intellectually challenging examination with a weighting of 100% that requires a high level of computational thinking, good command of English and strong Mathematical skills.

Entry criteria: Working at Grade 4 in English, Math and Computer Science.