Welcome to Computer Science

Computer Science is an optional subject that can be taken in KS4

Aim of the Computer Science Curriculum

The key aims of the GCSE Computer Science OCR J277 curriculum are to:

Provide a solid foundation in computer science concepts

• Introduce students to the fundamental principles of computing, including how computers work, data representation, and system components.

Develop problem-solving and programming skills

• Equip students with the ability to write, test, and debug programs, and use computational thinking to solve real-world problems effectively.

Encourage an understanding of algorithms

• Help students learn how to create, evaluate, and improve algorithms, with an emphasis on efficiency and optimization.

Promote awareness of digital safety and cybersecurity

• Educate students about the importance of security in the digital world and the potential risks posed by cyber threats, while fostering responsible use of technology.

Enhance analytical and logical thinking

• Strengthen students’ abilities to analyse problems, recognize patterns, and develop structured approaches to solving complex tasks.

Expose students to the broader impact of computing

• Develop an understanding of how computer science impacts society, industries, and the environment, including the role of emerging technologies and ethical considerations.

Prepare students for future studies and careers in technology

• Lay the groundwork for further study in computer science or related fields, providing a strong base for students who wish to pursue further education or enter the tech industry.

The knowledge the students will have by the end of the course:

By the end of the GCSE Computer Science OCR J277 course, students will have learned the following knowledge and skills:

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

• The components of computer systems (hardware and software)
• The function of the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices
• The different types of system software (e.g., operating systems, utility software)
• Data representation (binary, hexadecimal, and how data is stored and processed)

Networks

• Types of computer networks (LAN, WAN)
• Network topologies and protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP)
• The role and function of routers, switches, and network security measures (e.g., firewalls, encryption)
• The impact of emerging technologies like cloud computing

Cyber Security

• Common cyber threats (e.g., malware, phishing, denial of service attacks)
• Security measures to protect systems (e.g., encryption, authentication)
• Ethical considerations related to cybersecurity

Programming

• Principles of algorithms (e.g., selection, iteration, and recursion)
• Basic programming concepts (variables, data types, loops, conditionals)
• Writing and debugging programs in a high-level programming language (usually Python)
• Understanding of how software is developed, tested, and maintained
• Writing simple queries in SQL to interact with data

Computational Thinking and Problem-Solving

• Breaking down problems into smaller, manageable parts (decomposition)
• Recognizing patterns, abstraction, and creating algorithms to solve problems
• Evaluating the effectiveness of algorithms