gcse computing

GCSE Computing

Exam board – OCRCourse code – J275

WHY should I choose this subject?OAs technology is constantly changing there are

always new topics up for discussion and new areas to explore.

OThis specification encourages you to acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of IT in a range of contexts.

OYou will look at the use of algorithms in computer programs, develop computer programs to solve problems as well as evaluating the effectiveness of solution and the impact of computer technology in society.

WHEN and HOW am I assessed?OThe OCR Computing course has three units.

OUnit 1 is a written examination worth 40% for the overall qualification which you will take in the summer of Year 11. You will cover the theory required for the examination across the two years.

OUnit 2 and Unit 3 are controlled assessment units worth 60% of the overall qualification. The controlled assessment tasks are set by the exam board.

WHICH subjects should I have an aptitude in?

O You should have a keen interest in computing, programming, as well as current and emerging technologies and how they work.

O You should also be able to work independently on tasks to interpret a scenario and then apply your knowledge and skills to solve problems in the controlled assessment units.

O In order to help you with this you will develop skills in designing algorithms and computer programming throughout the course.

WHERE could this subject take me in the future?

O The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming, giving you a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.

O In this respect, the course provides excellent preparation for those of you who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems.

O These areas include engineering, financial and resource management, science and medicine.

Theory ContentUnit A451: Computer systems and programming

OFundamentals of computer systemsOComputing hardwareOSoftwareORepresentation of data in computer systemsODatabasesOComputer communications and networkingOProgramming

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.1 - Fundamentals of computer systemsO Defining a computer system, O The importance of computer systems in the modern world O The need for reliability in computer systemsO The need for adherence to suitable professional standards in

the development, use and maintenance of computer systems

O The importance of ethical, environmental and legal considerations when creating computer systems.

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.2 - Computing hardware

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.3 - Software

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.4 - Representation of data in computer systems

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.5 - Databases

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.6 - Computer communications and networking

What will I learn on the GCSE course? Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

2.1.7 - Programming

How is the GCSE course made up?Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

Theory paper - 1 hour 30 minutes (40%)O A mixture of short and long answer questions, some of

which will require you to write program code:O Fundamentals of computer systemsO Computing hardware and softwareO Representation of data in computer systemsO DatabasesO Computer communications and networkingO Programming

How is the GCSE course made up?Unit A452: Practical Investigation

Controlled Assessment (30%)O An investigative computing task, chosen from a list provided

by OCR, which assesses the following: O ResearchO Technical understandingO Analysis of problem, O Historical perspective, O Use of technical writing skills, O Recommendations/evaluation

How is the GCSE course made up?Unit A453: Programming Project

Controlled Assessment (30%)O You will create solutions to three computing tasks from a set

of options supplied by OCR O Design a coded solution to a problemO Create a coded solution annotating the code to explain its

functionO Test your solutionO Identify successes and any limitations