KS4 Options Booklet 2026-2028 - Flipbook - Page 21
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Computer Science: Academic Breadth
Subject
Subject group
Exam Board
Course
Description
Examination
Information
Grades Available
Careers
Information
Further details
Staff Contact
GCSE Computer Science
Computer Science, Academic Breadth
OCR (J277)
This course will allow students to understand and apply the fundamental principles
and concepts of Computer Science, including computational thinking, and computer
systems. In addition to this they will discover the power of Computer Science in
modern life, as well as the exciting and evolving career opportunities for computing
experts. Students will analyse programming challenges in computational terms
through practical experience of solving such problems, including a strong use of the
Predict Run Investigate Modify Make (PRIMM learning model) to assist in the
professional designing, writing and debugging of programs. With this in mind, they
will gain a thorough understanding of High Level Programming, through the use of
innovative programming projects. Finally, they will learn about the wider implications
of digital technologies embedded in their everyday lives, including the legal, ethical
and environmental impacts.
What will this GCSE encourage me to do?
● Understand and apply fundamental principles and concepts of computer
science, including abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, logic,
algorithms, and data representation.
● Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of
solving problems, including designing, writing and debugging your own
programs.
● Be creative and innovative and think analytically, logically and critically;
● Understand the components that make up digital systems and how they
communicate.
● Understand the impact of digital technologies on society.
● Apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Two 1½ hour examinations (2 x 50% = 100%) at the end of Year 11.
● Computer systems (50%)
● Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50%)
931
●
Transition smoothly to higher study and employment in the field of computer
science.
● Careers in computer science and ICT are exciting and dynamic.
● Young people leaving education with computing skills are in demand and can
command high salaries.
What programming language will I be learning?
● You will continue from Year 9 lessons to learn to program using Python
(www.python.org).
● Python is a powerful and popular general purpose high level language.
● Python provides a great introduction to computer programming and
transferable skills.
The course specification can be found on the exam board website at:
https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/558027-specification-gcse-computer-science-j277.p
df
Mrs K Banga, Head of Department, Computer Science and ICT
kavita.banga@rmays.com
