KS4 Overview
At key stage 4, the students have the opportunity to study GCSE Computer Science (OCR – J277) specification which encourages them to explore how computers work and communicate in a variety of contexts. There is ample opportunity for them to apply and consolidate their knowledge of computer programming by carrying out practical tasks that will develop their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence. They will develop the skills of design and evaluation, and they will test and problem-solve when errors occur in both their own systems and those of others.
A course in Computer Science offers our students a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of how computers work and to create and troubleshoot computer programs for real-life purposes relating to their own personal interests. Computer Science develops valuable programming and computational thinking skills, which are increasingly relevant to a wide variety of jobs. Employers want workers with an understanding of rigorous principles that can be applied to changing technologies.
Students will study the OCR (J277) GCSE course in Computer Science
https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/specification-at-a-glance/
Students will study the following:
J277/01: Computer systems
• 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
J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming
• 2.1 Algorithms
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals
• 2.3 Producing robust programs
• 2.4 Boolean logic
• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments
Building on KS2 and preparing for KS4…
The programme of study at KS4 is designed to support students in becoming competent, confident and discriminating users of computers, enabling them to express their problem-solving skills and their creative thinking skills with confidence.
It builds on the practical programming skills taught at KS3 and also expands and evolves the theory components of the units of worked studied.
KS4 Assessment
A mixture of both formative and summative assessment is used to assess the subject.
A range of Formative Assessment Techniques are used which include:
- Retrieval practice;
- Show me;
- Active observation.
At KS4, Computer Science is assessed on work produced at GCSE level graded from 1-9, with 9 being the highest grade. This is done through the use of Assessments, after each topic, linked to the examination texts and skills developed through the course. Verbal feedback is given during lessons and written feedback is given after each assessment. Students are given time develop their knowledge and skills in response to this feedback.
Summative assessments use past-paper examination questions that are linked to the units of work that the students’ study in the individually designed Computer Science Themes as detailed in the content.
KS4 Content
|
Y10 Content Autumn |
1.1 Systems architecture 1.2 Memory and storage 2.1 Algorithms |
|
Y10 Content Spring |
1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 1.4 Network security 2.2 Programming fundamentals |
|
Y10 Content Summer |
1.5 Systems software 2.2 Programming fundamentals 2.3 Producing robust programs |
|
Y11 Content Autumn |
2.1 Algorithms Construction of a complex program using Python 2.4 Boolean logic Preparation for the mock examination |
|
Y11 Content Spring |
1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology Construction of a complex program using Python 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments Revision of Theory Components of the course |
|
Y11 Content Summer |
Revision of Theory Components of the course Revision of Practical Components of the course |
|
Exam Board and website link |
Exam Board: OCR https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/ |
|
Details of external assessment (How exams are broken down (topics skills assessed), NEA etc. length of papers and % weighting for each |
Details of external assessment (How exams are broken down (topics skills assessed), NEA etc. length of papers and % weighting for each Assessment: There are two examinations -
Paper 1: Computer systems Written Examination: 1 ½ hours 50% of the qualification This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory. This paper consists of multiple- choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions.
Paper 2: Computer Programming Written Examination: 1 ½ hours 50% of the qualification 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 and must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with (Python). |
Useful links & resources for KS3:
BBC Bitesize GCSE Computer Science (OCR) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zmtchbk
Isaac Computer Science - https://isaaccomputerscience.org/topics/gcse?examBoard=all&stage=all#ocr
Python on-line compilers:
https://www.onlinegdb.com/online_python_compiler
https://www.online-python.com/
https://replit.com/languages/python3
Python on-line tutorials here:
https://www.codecademy.com/catalog/language/python
BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition:
British Informatics Olympiad:
Bebras Challange
The Textbooks used are:
GCSE OCR Computer Science J277 Course textbook (PG Online) by S Robson and P M Heathcote ISBN: 978-1910523216
OCR GCSE Computer Science, Second Edition by George Rouse), Lorne Pearce, Gavin Craddock and Ian Paget ISBN: 978-1510484160
GCSE Computer Science for OCR Student Book Updated Edition by David Waller and Ann Weidmann ISBN: 978-1108812542
Recommended Revision Guides are:
GCSE OCR Computer Science: Exam Tutor (ClearRevise OCR GCSE Exam Tutor J277) by PG Online ISBN: 978-1910523360
GCSE OCR Computer Science: Illustrated Revision and Practice (ClearRevise OCR Computer Science J277 by PG Online ISBN: 978-1910523230
Other Revision Guides available:
GCSE Computer Science OCR Complete Revision & Practice includes Online Edition, Videos & Quizzes (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) Paperback by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789085563
New GCSE Computer Science OCR Exam Practice Workbook includes answers (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789085570
GCSE Computer Science OCR Practice Papers: for the 2025 and 2026 exams (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789085617
GCSE Computer Science OCR Knowledge Organiser: for the 2025 and 2026 exams (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789089493
GCSE Computer Science OCR 10-Minute Tests (includes answers): for the 2025 and 2026 exams (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789085594
GCSE Computer Science Vocabulary OCR J277 Paperback by James Bennett ISBN: 979-8336410617
GCSE Computer Science OCR Revision Question Cards: for the 2025 and 2026 exams (CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science) Cards by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789085600
OCR GCSE Computer Science J277: Exercises in Sorting and Searching: Learn from 40 Worked Examples Paperback by Alfred Capone ISBN: 979-8840998922
OCR GCSE 9-1 Computer Science Revision Cards: Ideal for the 2025 and 2026 exams by Collins GCSE ISBN: 978-0008399306
Practical Programming Books are:
Programming Guide for GCSE Computer Science (includes Online Edition & Python Files) by CGP Books ISBN: 978-1789088625
Learning to Program in Python Crash Course in Coding for Python 3.x Beginners Guide in Programming with Examples and Challenges by PM Heathcote and PG Online ISBN: 9781910523117
Python Challenge - Learn to program fast in 155 challenges, 54 examples and 85 pages by PG Online ISBN: 9781910523353