Specifications - GCSE Computers
Content and Assessment Overview
Students take J277/01 and J277/02 to be awarded the OCR GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science.
J277/01: Computer systems
This component will assess:
- 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
- Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes (50% of total GCSE, 80 marks)
- This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory.
- This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
This component will assess:
- 2.1 Algorithms
- 2.2 Programming fundamentals
- 2.3 Producing robust programs
- 2.4 Boolean logic
- 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
- Written paper: 1 hour and 30 minutes (50% of total GCSE, 80 marks)
- This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory.
- This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections.
- In Section B, questions assessing students' ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with.
What are the key features of this specification?
The key features of OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science for you and your students are:
- a simple and intuitive assessment model, consisting of two papers, one focusing on computer systems and one with a focus on programming, computational thinking, and algorithms. Both papers have identical weighting and mark allocations
- a specification developed with teachers specifically for teachers. The specification lays out the subject content clearly
- a flexible support package formed after listening to teachers’ needs. The support package will enable teachers to easily understand the requirements of the qualification and how it is assessed
- a team of OCR Subject Advisors who support teachers directly and manage the qualification nationally
- the specification has been designed to transition seamlessly into Computer Science at AS Level and/or A Level.
This specification/qualification will enable students to develop:
- valuable thinking and programming skills that are extremely attractive in the modern workplace
- a deep understanding of computational thinking and how to apply it through a chosen programming language.