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Notre Dame High School

Notre Dame
High School

Year 10 - 11


Years 10-11



GCSE Computing gives students a real, in depth understanding of how computer technology works. It offers an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many students find fascinating. Computing is of enormous importance to the economy, and the role of Computing as a discipline itself and as an ‘underpinning’ subject across science and engineering is growing rapidly. Computer technology continues to advance rapidly and the way that technology is consumed has also been changing at a fast pace over recent years. The growth in the use of mobile devices and web-related technologies has exploded, resulting in new challenges for employers and employees. For example, businesses today require an ever-increasing number of technologically aware individuals. This is even more so in the gaming, mobile and web related industries and the course specification has been designed with this in mind.


Practical investigation

An investigative computing task, chosen from a list provided by OCR, which assesses the following: research, technical understanding, analysis of problem, historical perspective, use of technical writing skills, recommendations/evaluation.


Programming Project

Students will need to:

• Understand standard programming techniques

• Be able to design a coded solution to a problem including the ability to:

- Develop suitable algorithms scenario.

- Design suitable input and output formats

- Identify suitable variables and structures

- Identify test procedures.

• Create a coded solution fully annotating the developed code to explain its function

• Test their solution:

- To show functionality

- To show how it matches the design criteria

- Identifying successes and any limitations.


Computing Systems and Programming

This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems which the examination will be based.








Assessment weighting






Written examination (80 Marks)



1 hour 30 minutes








Investigative task. OCR-set scenario (45 Marks)



20 hours









Controlled assessment Programming task. Design, develop and test a solution to a problem within the OCR-set scenario. 45 marks




20 hours







Entry Requirements

At least a level 6 in Computing and Mathematics at the end of KS3.

Problem solving skills, critical and logical thinking, ability to work independently as well as in a group and commitment towards your work

Students should have a strong interest in Computers, particularly how they work. They should also be keen on learning how to code and create effective applications on different platforms (web, mobile, PC, etc.)


Careers and Future Pathways

Computing is useful in the workplace. Pupils can progress to A Levels in Computing or ICT or a BTEC Level 3 in ICT. There are obvious careers, such as system analyst, programming, app inventor, web developer, computer engineer, computer security expert, and network administrator and computer technicians.


Computing is also one of the highly respected academic subjects in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which form a good foundation for future academic pathways.