PCSA Options Booklet 2024 - 2026

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Type of qualification: GCSE
Exam Board: OCR
Central Leader: Mr M Hodder
Head of Subject: Mr M Hodder
What will I study?
The qualification will build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established through the Key Stage
3 ICT Computer Science lessons. Content will include; problem solving, logic, algorithms, and data
representation. They will complete tasks that include designing, writing and debugging programs. They
will also learn about the components that make up computer systems, and how they communicate with
one another and with other systems.
To do well you need to:
Be able to think creatively, analytically, logically and
critically.
Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.
Be able to apply problem solving skills.
Be able to create programs using
the Python programming
language.
Work to deadlines.
Progression Pathways
Depending on the grade the student achieves in
this qualification, they could progress to:
Level 3 qualification in; Computer Science
or ICT
Level 3 vocational qualification in;
Computer Science, ICT, Animation and
Engineering
An apprenticeship within sectors such as
Engineering, ICT Support or Tech Support
Careers
Possible career paths could include:
App Developer, CA Technician, Cyber Security
Analyst or a Software Engineer
Computer Animator, CGI Designer or a Games
Designer
ICT Support, ICT Consultant, Engineer, Web
Developer or a Data Systems Analyst
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1 Computer Systems 50% of total grade
Externally assessed
examination
Unit 2
Computational thinking,
algorithms and programming
50% of total grade
Externally assessed
examination
Programming
Project
20 timetabled hours in class Formal requirement for completion of the course