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GCSE Computing
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From September 2011 students will have the opportunity to select OCR GCSE Computing as an option. |
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About the course
The course provides students with a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will no doubt be familiar with the use of computers and other related technology from their ICT lessons and elsewhere. However, the course will give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many learners find absorbing. |
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Course Structure
Unit A451 - Computer systems and programming
Written exam paper containing a mixture of short and long questions.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of the qualification
Unit A452 - Practical investigation
Students carry out a practical investigation of a topic set by the exam board, 20 Hours approx, 30% of the qualification
Unit A453 - Programming project
Controlled assessment set by the exam board, 20 Hours approx, 30% of the qualification |
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What theory you will learn
Fundamentals of computer systems
This topic introduces computer systems and provides a foundation for the remaining topics in this unit. Students will learn that the term ‘Computer System’ does not just mean the desktop at home but can include any system controlled or including a processor.
Computing hardware
Students will be able to define the term hardware and have an understanding of many different types and how they operate.
Software
Students will be able to define the term software and have an understanding of the types and how they interact with the user and hardware.
Representation of data in computer systems
Students will understand how data is stored on a computer system and the different ways they can be represented.
Databases
Students will be able to understand, operate and create databases.
Computer communications and networking
Students will learn about the setup and structure of networks and the Internet.
Programming Students will gain an understanding of how programming languages operate. |
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What skills you will learn
In order to be successful in the course students will need to be able to solve problems independently and groups. To help them with this they will develop skills in designing algorithms and computer programming. Students will also be able to evaluate the effectiveness and success of their solutions, as well as other peoples, and the impact computer systems can have on society. |
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What you can do after GCSE Computing
The course is perfect for students wishing to study A Level Computing or ICT at sixth form or similar courses at other institutions and for students looking to become computer programmers or working in the IT industry in some capacity
Have a look at the pages for A Level Computing and ICT if you want to find out more about the them. |
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You should select GCSE Computing:
- If when you use a PC you find yourself thinking ‘What is going on inside the computer when I press this?’.
- If you are the kind of person who takes things apart to find out ‘how they work’.
- If you have used software and thought ‘I think I could make something better’.
- If you enjoy working hard to solve a problem.
- If you are willing to take up programming at home as a hobby.
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Example exam questions
1) Mary wants to upgrade this computer so that she can play the latest games.
Explain two ways by which the computer can be upgraded to improve its performance.
2) What is a multi-tasking operating system?
3) State two advantages of connecting the computers into a LAN.
4) A program includes the following code.
If A > B Then
A = B
B = A
End If
(a) The code uses the variables A and B.
Describe what is meant by a variable.
(b) State the final values of the variables A and B if the values at the beginning of the code are:
A = 4 B = 9 |
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