Key Stage 4 - GCSE Computer Science

Exam Board Link: OCR GCSE Computer Science

This qualification covers a wide range of topics related to computer systems, The qualification is 100% exam based with two papers: 

Paper 1 - Computer Systems:

• Systems Architecture
• Memory and Storage
• Computer Networks
• Network Security
• Software (System software, Utility software and Application software)
• Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Technology

Paper 2 - Computational Thinking:

• Algorithms
• Programming Techniques
• Producing Robust Software
• Programming Languages
• Boolean Logic

Key Stage 5 - A'Level Computer Science

Exam Board Link: OCR A'Level Computer Science

In 6th Form, many students choose to pursue the subject further. The structure of the qualification mirrors the GCSE course, but it does include a significant programming project, which students get to choose!

Paper 1 - Computer Systems:

• Processors, Inputs, Outputs and Storage Devices
• Software and Software Development
• Exchanging Data
• Data Types, Structures and Algorithms
• Legal, Moral, Cultural and Ethical Issues

Paper 2 - Algorithms and Programming:

• Elements of Computational Thinking
• Problem-Solving and Programming
• Algorithms

Unit 3 - Programming Project:

• Analyse a Problem
• Design a Solution
• Develop & Test a Solution
• Evaluation