SUBJECT:

COMPUTER SCIENCE

QUALIFICATION

GRADE STRUCTURE

GCSE (J276)

9-1

Exam Board:  OCR

COURSE STRUCTURE

100% Examination

CONTENT:

Unit 1 - Computer systems

The examination will cover the body of knowledge about computer systems, as well as ethical, legal cultural and environmental concerns within the Computing field. 

1 hour 30 minutes, written paper (50% of final grade)

Unit 2 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming

The examination will cover: 

• Algorithms
• Programming techniques
• Producing robust programs
• Computational logic
• Translators and facilities of languages
• Data representation

1 hour 30 minutes, written paper (50% of final grade)

Unit 3 - Programming techniques

Students will design a coded solution to a problem set by the exam board, with attention paid to the following areas:

• Analysis
• Design
• Development
• Testing, evaluation and conclusions

The coded solution is expected to be fully annotated to explain the codes function and evaluate its fitness for purpose (Not assessed, but must be completed in 20 timetabled hours, as per exam board requirements).

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES:

Guest speakers – External visits – Trips related to the industry

IDEAL FOR CAREERS IN:

Web Designer, Computer Games Developer, Software Developer, Network Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Manager, Database Administrator, Archivist, Cartographer, Information Scientist, IT Support, Media Researcher, Data Entry Clerk, Technical Author, Security Service personnel

Starting Salary can vary, but usually starts at around £10,500 and with experience can offer over £50,000 (not including bonuses!)