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Assessment - GCSE Computers

Assessment Objectives

Assessment objectives (AOs) are set by Ofqual and are the same across all GCSE Computer Science specifications and all exam boards.

The exams will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science.

AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.

AO3 Analyse problems in computational terms:

  • to make reasoned judgements
  • to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions

4.2.1 Assessment objective weightings for GCSE Computer Science

Assessment objectives (AOs)Component weightings (approx %)Overall weighting (approx %)
Paper 1Paper 2
AO14.425.630
AO2202040
AO325.64.430
Overall weighting of components5050100

4.3 Assessment weightings

Final marks will be calculated by adding together the scaled marks for each component. Grade boundaries will be set using this total scaled mark. The scaling and total scaled marks are shown in the table below.

ComponentMaximum raw markScaling factorMaximum scaled mark
Paper 190x190
Paper 290x190
Total scaled mark:180