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Year 9 Options Process - Computer Science

Introduction

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At Leeds East Academy, we empower our students to become confident, innovative, and responsible digital citizens in an ever-changing technological world. Computing is at the heart of modern life, shaping the way we work, communicate, and solve problems. Our Computer Science curriculum equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in this dynamic environment, encouraging creativity, logical thinking, and problem-solving. Through hands-on programming, algorithm development, and cybersecurity awareness, our students develop the expertise to not only understand technology but to shape its future. 

Course Details

Are you curious about how computers work? Do you enjoy problem-solving and logical thinking? The OCR GCSE Computer Science course at Leeds East Academy is designed for students who want to explore the inner workings of technology and develop practical programming skills. 

This course is 100% exam-based and covers a variety of exciting topics, from understanding computer systems and cybersecurity to ethical and legal considerations in technology. Students will also dive into computational thinking, learning how to design and write programs using a high-level programming language. 

Course Structure 

Component 01: Computer Systems – Covers key computing concepts such as the CPU, memory and storage, data representation, networking, security, and the ethical, legal, and environmental issues surrounding technology. 

Component 02: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming – Focuses on applying computational thinking, problem-solving, algorithm design, programming techniques, and logical reasoning. 

Practical Programming – Students will engage in hands-on programming tasks to develop their ability to design, write, test, and refine programs using a high-level programming language. These skills will be assessed within the written examinations, particularly in Component 02 (Section B). 

Where will the course take you?

Technology is shaping the future, and a GCSE in Computer Science is your first step toward an exciting and rewarding career. This course equips you with problem-solving, logical thinking, and analytical skills—all highly sought after in today’s job market. 

Whether you want to create the next big app, design video games, protect organisations from cyber threats, or analyse data for major companies, the skills you learn in Computer Science will set you on the right path. Career opportunities include: 

Software & Application Development – Build innovative apps and systems. 

Cybersecurity & Forensic Computing – Safeguard data and investigate cybercrime. 
Game Design & Development – Shape the future of gaming. 
Data & Business Analysis – Make sense of big data to drive business success. 

With industries increasingly relying on technology, Computer Science is an essential skill for the future. Whether you choose to specialise in technology or apply these skills in another field, this qualification will help set you apart. 

Course structure and assessment

The OCR GCSE Computer Science course is 100% exam-based, assessing both theoretical understanding and practical programming skills. Students will complete two externally assessed exams, each contributing 50% to the final grade. 

J277/01: Computer Systems (50%) 

Exam Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 
Marks: 80 
Assessment Type: Written exam (short, medium, and extended response questions) 

This component covers the core principles of computing, including: 

  • How computer systems function (CPU, memory, storage)
  • Networks, cybersecurity, and system software
  • Ethical, legal, and environmental aspects of computing

J277/02: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming (50%) 

Exam Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 
Marks: 80 
Assessment Type: Written exam (problem-solving and programming-based questions) 

This section develops problem-solving and practical coding skills, covering: 

  • Computational thinking & algorithms
  • Programming techniques and logic
  • Practical programming (design, write, test, refine code)

Both exams ensure students develop a strong foundation in computing, setting them up for success in technology-driven careers. 

Further information