Computer Science: GCSE, IB & A level

Aims & Course Content

The OCR GCSE Computer Science course serves as an introduction to the world of professional software
development. It combines the development of a theoretical basis for how computers work with a hands-on practical approach allowing the students to develop programming skills by writing high-level programming languages. The course will be taught with the programming language of Python, a simple yet powerful language that is easy to learn from.

Assessment Details

The student is assessed with two written examinations, Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 tests a student’s ability to describe how computers work. The paper is broadly split into four topics:

• Hardware and Software: We learn about how the
  hardware works together to make a computer function
  as well as the functions of the operating system
  and utility software in providing a way for the user to
  interact with the hardware.
• Data Representation: How computers store
  numbers and represent media file types such as
  images and sounds.
• Networks: We explore how computers are able to
  exchange data and the various threats associated with
  networking.
• Issues: As well as learning about how computers
  work the students will explore the ethical, legal, cultural
  and environmental issues associated with various
  technologies.

Paper 2 tests a student’s ability to use computers to solve problems and assess a student’s algorithmic thinking.
Within this they will need to show a mastery of using the Python programming language to solve algorithmic
problems. Whilst there is no assessment that tests a student’s ability to program on a computer, a good number of our lessons
will be learning to program in Python.

The Syllabus

Computer Science – OCR GCSE (J277)

Standard/Higher Level

Aims

Computer Science is fundamentally about problem-solving. Students learn to analyse problems, design algorithms, and implement solutions in Python. The course builds a deep understanding of computing systems and prepares students for a future shaped by technology, particularly in fields like machine learning, data science, and software development. 

Course Content 

The course combines theory and hands-on programming, developing skills in both computational thinking and real-world coding. Python is the core programming language taught. 

Students study two main themes: 

• A. Computer Science Concepts – Hardware, networks, databases, and machine learning 

• B. Computational Thinking – Programming, object-oriented programming, and (for HL) abstract data types 

All students undertake a Collaborative Sciences Project and design a computational solution to a real-world problem. HL students explore additional content and tackle more advanced concepts. 

Assessment Details

Standard Level 

• Paper 1 (1 hr 15 mins, 35%) – Extended responses on Theme A and case study questions 

• Paper 2 (1 hr 15 mins, 35%) – Short-answer and extended-response questions on Theme B 

• Internal Assessment (35 hrs, 30%) – Design and implementation of a software solution

Higher Level

• Paper 1 (2 hrs, 40%) – Extended responses on Theme A and case study 

• Paper 2 (2 hrs, 40%) – Theme B questions 

• Internal Assessment (35 hrs, 20%) – Software solution project 

• HL Extension – Case study (30 hours) and advanced topics including abstract data types 

Course Entry Requirements 

Minimum Requirements: A Grade 7+ in GCSE/IGCSE Computer Science is recommended; students with a Grade 6 may be accepted but should expect a steep learning curve. 

Note for Swiss Universities: Computer Science can only be used as a Group 6 subject (arts/electives), not as the required Group 4 (science) subject.

Aims

The Computer Science A-Level programme seeks to extend knowledge already studied in the GCSE course to really develop a student’s understanding of how computers work, how to make them do useful things and how to think like a Computer! As with the GCSE course Python will be the programming language of choice. The A-Level also introduces new topics not previously taught in the GCSE syllabus such as website development, Object orientated programming and relational databases.

Course Content

• An emphasis on problem solving skills. The course teaches students to think logically about problems and understand how to solve them using computers.
• The course develops programming skills of students. We teach the course largely in python and students come away competent in developing computer applications.
• The fundamentals of how computers work is covered; students develop a good understanding of common terms in computational language and a competency in understanding how the different parts of computer systems work together.

Assessment Details

Component 1 – Computer Systems: The students will learn how computers work and will develop a good understanding of hardware components that work together to make a computer work. The students will also learn about the types of software, networks, databases and data representation of information. Finally this component features an ethical and moral component where students will review the impacts of computers, the laws that guide their use and think about how to use them ethically.

Component 2 – Algorithms and Programming: The students will develop their problem solving skills and programming work. We learn about various techniques in programming such as recursive algorithms and object orientated programming. We analyse how these techniques can be applied to different scenarios with the aim of students reviewing algorithms and comprehending how they work.

Component 3 – NEA Project: As part of the course the students work on programming project. They need to choose a problem to tackle and they have great freedom in their choice of topic. Once they have chosen a topic; they analyse it, design a computational solution and develop it themselves. In the past students have created some very impressive projects including a chess game, a gravity simulation and an ecological simulation.

Assessment Details

Component 1: Computer Systems (2 hours and 30 minutes) 40% of the Qualification

Component 2: Algorithms and Programming (2 hours and 30 minutes) 40% of the Qualification

Component 3: Non examined Assessment – Programming Project 20% of the Qualification

The Syllabus

Examination board: OCR (H446)

Further Information

Experience has shown that in order for students to have a strong enough base from which to study Computer Science with confidence in the Sixth Form, they should have a grade 7 or higher in GCSE/IGCSE Computer Science, although students will be accepted on the course with a grade 6.