COMPUTING GCSE

Third, Fourth, and Fifth Years

Pupils who opt to continue Computing at GCSE will follow a course with four examined components: two projects and one examination. Pupils will be prepared for these examined units in the third year, learning the fundamentals of computer science theory and improving their programming, logical, problem solving, and algorithmic thinking skills. The two projects will be undertaken in the fourth and fifth years, and the final exam will be undertaken at the end of the fifth year.

In the written examination pupils will demonstrate their understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding how they work and apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts. In the preparatory theory work for this exam, pupils will acquire and apply knowledge, technical skills, and an understanding of the use of algorithms in computer programs to solve problems using programming. Pupils will be required to use their knowledge and understanding of computer technology to become independent and discerning users of computer technology, able to make informed decisions about its use, and aware of the implications of different technologies.

The first project is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to carry out a practical investigation into a computing issue and engage them with computing in the real world. The unit deliberately extends the candidate’s work beyond the topics in the theory unit in order to provide a stimulating experience. Candidates should study one from a range of topics which will be supplied by the exam board. Candidates will be expected to carry out practical investigations of the topic(s) and any supplementary research necessary to complete these investigations. They will produce a report in which the topic is analysed, justified and evaluated showing evidence of the practical work undertaken.

For the second project, OCR will issue a range of assessment tasks each consisting of up to three sub tasks. The set of tasks within the controlled assessment will provide opportunities for the candidate to demonstrate practical ability to use the skills outlined in the specification for this unit. Candidates will need to create suitable algorithms which will provide a solution to the stated problem then code their solutions in a suitable programming language. The solutions must be tested at each stage to ensure they solve the stated problem using a suitable test plan with appropriate test data. The code must be suitably annotated to describe the process. Test results should be annotated to show how these relate to the code, the test plan and the original problem. Candidates will need to provide an evaluation of their solution based on the test evidence.

In the cases of the projects, the problems will be set by the exam board and will require the candidate to create a solution that combines a number of elements. It is expected that a number of skills will be demonstrated.