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Computer Science

digital CURRICULUM – combined science *

* For those students who have been identified as having an aptitude for this subject

aim of the course

OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science will encourage students to:

  1. Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.
  2. Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
  3. Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
  4. Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.
  5. Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
  6. Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science
programme of study:

The OCR GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science (J277) provides a comprehensive, two-paper curriculum focusing on computer systems (hardware, software, networks, security) and computational thinking (algorithms, programming).

Content Overview Assessment Overview

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 e

Written paper:

1 hour and 30 minutes 

50% of total GCSE 80 marks

This is a noncalculator 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.

This paper has two sections: Section A and Section 
B.

Students must answer both sections. All questions 
are mandatory.

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

Practical Programming

All students must be given the opportunity to undertake a programming task(s), either to a specification or to solve a problem (or problems), during their course of study. Students may draw on some of the content in both components when engaged in Practical Programming.

 Possible careers associated with this subject:

Software Engineer/Developer, Full Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer: Game Developer, Data Scientist/Analyst, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, Database Administrator, Cyber Security Analyst/Consultant, Ethical Hacker/Forensic Analyst, Network/Cloud Engineer.

examination board: ocr

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