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GCSE Computer Science
Curriculum Leader:
Mr D Strange
Examination Board:
OCR
Assessment Requirements:
Exam 1 – Computer Systems – 80 Marks (40%)– 1 ½ Hour Paper taken in June Year 11
Exam 2 – Computational Thinking, Programming & Algorithms – 80 Marks (40%)– 1 ½ Hour
Paper taken in June Year 11
Programming Project – 40 Marks – Controlled Assessment (NEA) – Completed in lessons
Course Outline:
The course provides an in depth coverage of the science of how computer hardware,
programming logic and coding are used to create systems that solve problems. The
course requires students to use a range of Maths, logic and problem solving skills
alongside developing their computer science understanding. Students will study a range of
theory based work in lessons aimed at securing knowledge and understanding required for
the linear exam; as well as developing practical coding skills in preparation for, and
completion of, the programming project. As the course is viewed as a science qualification
it will also count as a subject that will contribute to the EBAC within the science bucket.
Unit Overviews:
Computer Systems
Computational Thinking,
Programming & Algorithms
Programming Project
Systems Architecture
Memory
Storage
Wired and Wireless Networks
Network Topology, Protocols
and Layers
System Security
System Software
Ethical, Legal, Cultural and
Environmental Concerns
Algorithms
Programming Techniques
Producing Robust Programmes
Computational Logic
Translators and Facilities of
languages
Data Representation
Programming
Techniques
Analysis
Design
Development
Testing and
Evaluation, and
Conclusions
Expectations:
Students should be open to the idea of theory based study involving book work and the
development of deeper knowledge and understanding of topics. Students will develop their
ability to answer exam based questions in written form alongside their practical use of
computers. Regular formal assessment will be used to encourage the recall and retention
of key information as it is learnt as well as the development of logic based approaches to
answering computational problems. Students will be expected to have a strong
independent desire to code and develop programming skills outside of lessons, as well as
regular completion of homework and revision for short, medium and long term
assessments and tests. It will be strongly encouraged that students taking this course
attend a weekly extra-curricular programming club to embed skills from lessons, this
allows for students to take the course without the necessity to own a computer at home.
Career Opportunities:
Computer Science has been an on-going development promoted with leading industry
experts and the government. The qualification is regarded as a high value science subject
and counts towards the Ebac. Qualification that many post 16 providers will see as
beneficial in accessing further and higher education courses. The course would be well
suited to students with an interest in Computer Programming, Engineering, Games
Designers, App Developers, Military and Public Services; as well as any career that values
logical thinkers and problem solving.
1: Print (“Hello”)
2: Print (”What is
your name”)
3: Input =
Username
4: Print (“Hello “ +
Username)