Pupils who select Computing as an option will study the OCR GCSE qualification. The aim of the course is to:
- Give learners a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works.
- Provide excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science.
- Develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills.
The GCSE covers the following areas:
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
COMPONENT 1 – Externally assessed written exam, 1½ hours, 50% of overall grade
- Study how processors work
- Investigate computer memory and storage
- Explore modern network layouts and how they function
- Build skills in the increasingly important realm of cyber security
- Investigate how types of software are used within computer systems
- Gain wider comprehension of how computers and computing affect ethical, legal, cultural and environmental issues
COMPUTATIONAL THINKING, ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING
COMPONENT 2 – Externally assessed written exam, 1½ hours, 50% of overall grade
- Study fundamental algorithms in computer science
- Build a firm foundation in programming techniques
- Produce programs through diagrams
- Thoroughly test programs and make them resistant to misuse
- Explore Boolean algebra (AND, OR, NOT)
- Understand how we store data within computers in binary form
A PROGRAMMING PROJECT
COMPONENT 3
- Use new-found programming skills on an independent coding project by solving a real-world problem of your choice
- The project gives students the opportunity to develop their practical programming skills and use this in a practical application
- This is a key element of the GCSE course required by the exam board
Useful websites
The following websites are all great resources for anyone studying Computing:
www.pythonschool.net/ – learn the basics of coding using the Python programming language
www.codecademy.com/ – learn a range of coding skills and languages interactively and free.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk – this website has lots of useful information on online safety and students across all years are encouraged to view it.
www.teach-ict.com – this website gives many helpful resources and reading which would be useful at all key stages.
www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7ty – GCSE Bitesize – a useful website for KS4 students, this includes videos and help guides to walk students through a variety of tasks.
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j276-from-2016/ – All the key information about the qualification from the OCR exam board.