GCSE Computer Science
Miss V Tatler
Computer Science Subject Leader
OCR GCSE Computing
What is Computing?
•Study of how computers and computer systems
work
•How they are constructed and programmed
•It is a discipline - explores foundation principles
and ideas
NOT ‘ICT’, which is a skills based course
OCR GCSE Computing
Why study GCSE Computing?
• We live in a digitised, computerised, programmable world and
to make sense of it we need computing
• Become innovators of new technology not just users
• Computing has a huge impact on modern life
• Subject is rigorous, exciting and varied
• Excellent job prospects - Demand for IT professionals estimated
to be up 15% in next 8 years, number of students aiming for
jobs in the industry has fallen by 50% since 2001
OCR GCSE Computing
Skills that GCSE Computing will develop
• Logical reasoning
• Algorithmic thinking
• Design and structured problem solving
• Computational thinking
• Analysis and creativity
• How to deal with real world and business constraints
OCR GCSE Computing
GCSE Computing
A451
Computer Systems
and Programming
A452
Practical
Investigation
A453
Programming
Project
40% of total GCSE
80 Marks
30% of total GCSE
45 Marks
30% of total GCSE
45 Marks
Written Exam
Paper
1 Hour 30 Minutes
Controlled
Assessment
Approx. 20 Hours
Controlled
Assessment
Approx. 20 Hours
OCR GCSE Computing
A451 - Computer systems and
programming
• This unit covers the body of knowledge about
computer systems on which the examination
will be based.
OCR GCSE Computing
A452 - Practical investigation
• An investigative computing task completed
under controlled conditions which assesses
the following:
– research, technical, understanding, analysis of
problem, historical perspective, use of technical
writing skills, recommendations/evaluation.
OCR GCSE Computing
A453 - Programming Project
Students will need to:
• Understand standard programming techniques
• Be able to design a coded solution to a problem
including the ability to:
• Develop suitable algorithms
• Design suitable input and output formats
• Identify suitable variables and structures
• Identify test procedures.
OCR GCSE Computing
Computer Science V ICT
ICT is about using computer applications as a
support tool. This builds upon the skills taught in
ICT lessons.
Computing is about learning how the computer
works and how to program the computer.
The two subjects are so different in content, that it
is possible to choose both subjects.
OCR GCSE Computing
All information from tonight can be accessed from the
Computer Science subject page of the school website
OCR GCSE Computing