Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage: 

Understanding and application the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation 

Analysis of 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 mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science 

To be successful in computer science, you need to have a genuine passion for the world of computers. You will want to teach yourself programming languages, want to know how a computer works and be confident with maths.

Assessment

50%: Computer systems exam paper
50%: Computational thinking and programming exam paper

All marks for this qualification are exam-based. Concepts such as CPU architecture, binary, logic, hexadecimal conversion, programming, debugging are just a few of the concepts that will be covered. A firm grasp of maths is essential in computing.

Where can it lead?

If you want to work with computers, you will need to understand the world of computer science. Jobs like programmers, web developers, games developers, technicians and IT consultants would require a fundamental understanding of the elements covered on this course.

This course prepares you for Level 3 ICT/Computing-related qualifications, such as A-Levels. It can also lead to a career in ICT/Computing-related industries.

Subject Video