COMPUTER SCIENCE – GCSE
Awarding Body: OCR
Course Code: J277
QAN: 601/8355/X – Click here for further information
OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE
Computer Science is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem-solving. Students develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science, such as computational thinking and designing, writing, testing, and evaluating programs. Students will also learn about the internal components of a PC, including the CPU, storage devices, operating systems, and how binary is used to create instructions and represent data.
CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT
Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 minutes exam worth 50% of the final grade.
- Systems architecture – CPU and PC components
- Memory and storage – RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, cloud storage
- Computer networks, connections and protocols
- Network security and common cyber attack prevention
- Systems software – including operating systems and utilities
- Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology
Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 minutes exam worth 50% of the final grade.
- Standard algorithms for searching and sorting
- Programming fundamentals – sequence, selection, iteration, and data types
- Producing robust programs – checking inputs and data types, anticipating errors
- Boolean logic – AND, OR, NOT gates
- Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments – Python in Pyscripter