Computer Science (KS4)

GCSE Computer Science encourages the investigation and study of computing in a variety of contexts, for example home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. Students can acquire competence and capability through the creation, implementation, use and evaluation of a range of program scenarios. Students will also study the theory underpinning Computer Science

Students will understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including:

  • Abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation
  • Analyse 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

The Study of Computer Science allows students to develop skills in problem solving and analytical thinking which can be applied to a wide range of further subjects and employment roles.

The Computing and ICT Learning Journey provides a general overview of what students will cover in this subject.

View the Computing and ICT Learning Journey.

Table of Topics

Year 10
Year 11
  1. Architecture of the CPU
  2. Primary and Secondary Storage
  3. Data Representation
  4. Networks And Topologies
  5. Wired and Wireless Technologies
  6. System Security
  7. System Software
  8. Algorithm Creation using sequence, selection and iteration
  9. Programming Project 1
  1. The integrated development environment
  2. Algorithm creation using flowcharts, pseudocode and programming languages
  3. Programming Project 2
  4. Evaluation of Topics Covered
 
Exam board: GCSE Computer Science (OCR J277)

Nature of examination: 2x written exams

Paper 1 Unit J277/01 Computer Systems

1 Hour 30 Minutes

50% of final grade

Paper 2 Unit J277/02 Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

1 Hour 30 Minutes

50% of final grade

 

View the full course specification

GCSE Computer Science Video