Computing at KS4

OCR GCSE Computer Science

Why choose Computer Science?

This exciting GCSE gives you an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they are used, and to develop computer programming and problem-solving skills. You will also do some fascinating in-depth practical work.  A Computer Science qualification will, be relevant to the modern and changing world of computer science. Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world problems. It is an intensely creative subject that involves invention and excitement. Our Computer Science GCSE will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems and design systems that do so.

What are some of the things I’ll learn?

This two-unit course is designed to give you an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and what goes on “behind the scenes”. You do not need to have studied this subject before. Assessment is simply based on two written exams and a programming task.

The specification is split into three components:

Component 01 – Computer Systems is an examined unit and makes up 50% of the assessment total. It focuses on the hardware, software and networks that form a modern computer system.

Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming is an examined unit and makes up 50% of the assessment total, focused on computational thinking and algorithms. Students will be tested on the elements of computational thinking and logic. They are principally assessed as to their ability to write, correct and improve algorithms.

What skills can I get from it?

The course will help you learn about critical thinking, analysis and problem solving; skills that can be transferred to other subjects and used in many areas of day-to-day life. The Computer Systems and Programming unit will teach you the theory about a wide range of issues such as hardware and software, the representation of data in a computer system, databases, computer networking and programming. In the programming project you will design, code and test a solution to three tasks using the Python programming language

How could it help me in the future?

If you take a GCSE in Computer Science and then go on to study the subject at A Level or university you will have an advantage over other students who are only starting the subject at these higher levels. The increasing importance of IT means that there is a growing demand for people who are qualified to work in industry. 

Exam Information

Revision

A variety of revision resources may be found via remote access to the school computer system:

From the homepage click on the windows icon in the bottom left. Choose ICT > ICT in Key Stage 4