Computer Science

OCR GCSE in Computer Science

Course Content:

This course offers students an opportunity to gain some understanding of how computers work and to create and debug their own computer programs. Computer Science develops valuable programming, problem solving and computational thinking skills, which are increasingly relevant in a wide variety of jobs. During the course you will cover the following:

Computational thinking: this is the process of thinking through a complex problem, taking the time to understand what the problem is and then develop potential solutions for evaluation. These are then presented in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand.

Theoretical content: here you will understand the fundamentals of data representation and computer networks. You will learn about the computer systems that you will create and use and also delve in to the world of cyber security and ethical legal and environmental impacts of digital technology.

Aspects of software development: you will learn how to implement and test a design to make sure it works effectively. You will also learn how to evaluate and refine a computer program.

It’s important to note that the course is currently made up of two exams only (Paper 1 = 50% and Paper 2 = 50%). The NEA aspect is compulsory but doesn’t contribute to the final marks. This structure is under review and may change in 2020. The affects all Computer Science GCSE courses regardless examination board.

How you will be Assessed:

How you will learn:

The course is split up in to a variety of practical and theory aspects which interlock.  You will learn advanced programming techniques using Python and will learn how to use these techniques independently.  In preparation for the 20 hour Controlled Assessment Task in the final year of the course students will build up their understanding of how to design and implement a computer program using text based programming independently.

Additional Information/Skills:

Students will be expected to have a high level of numeracy and literacy and be self-motivated learners.  Students must be able to work independently and have enquiring minds and the ability to problem solve.