Computer Science
Today’s world is dominated by technology and the world of computing is changing constantly. Our Computer Science curriculum is challenging and engaging, covering aspects of computer science, digital literacy and creativity. Our aim is to enthuse students about programming and using computers and to ensure that all students leave with a fundamental understanding of how computers and networks operate. Our students may have grown up in the internet age but the Computer Science curriculum ensures that they are not just passive consumers but creative content authors and programmers.
The school’s annual Safer Internet Week ensures students receive additional understanding of the technological world through a range of lessons, tutorials and outside speakers.
Key Stage 3
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science allows students to:
- 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.
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|
Computer systems 1.1 Systems architecture 1.2 Memory and storage 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 1.4 Network security 1.5 Systems software 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology |
80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes Written paper (no calculators allowed) 50% of total GCSE |
|
Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 2.1 Algorithms 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.3 Producing robust programs 2.4 Boolean logic 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments |
80 marks 1 hour and 30 minutes Written paper (no calculators allowed) 50% of total GCSE |
|
Practical Programming All students must be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study. Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in Practical Programming. |
|
Key Stage 5
OCR A Level Computer Science H446
At A Level Computer Science, students understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. Students will develop technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|
|
Computer systems (01) 140 marks 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40% of total A Level |
|
Algorithms and programming (02*) 140 marks 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40% of total A Level |
|
|
Programming project 03* – Repository or 04* – Postal or 80 – Carry forward (2018 onwards) * 70 marks Non-exam assessment 20% of total A Level |
Career paths
Database administrator
Games developer
Information systems manager
IT consultant
Multimedia programmer
Network engineer
Systems analyst
Systems developer