Computer Science
Exam board: OCR
Course code/specification number: J276
Level of qualification: GCSE
What will students learn about?
Principles and concepts of Computer Science including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
They will analyse problems in computational terms through practical ex- perience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
Students will learn the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
They will understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
What skills will students develop and demonstrate?
- Computational thinking and how to apply it through a chosen programming language.
- Problem solving and code tracing. They will have to think creatively, innovatively and analytically.
- They will be required to apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
How will students’ learning be assessed?
The assessment consists of two written examinations and an externally moderated non-exam assessment.
- Component 1: Written Exam. Worth 40% of the total GCSE.
- Component 2: Written Exam. Worth 40% of the total GCSE.
- Component 3: Coursework. Non-Exam Assessment. Worth 20% of the total GCSE.
What grades can students access?
Grades 9-1
What can students’ progress on to after completing this course?
The new GCSE (9-1) Computer Science course will allow students to progress onto AS or A level Computer Science.