Digital

Exam Board:

OCR

What will I study on the course:

You will develop an understanding of how computers work, computational thinking, and practical programming skills. Key topics include:

• Computer systems: Systems architecture (CPU, memory, storage), memory and storage, computer networks/connections/protocols, network security, systems software, and ethical/legal/cultural/environmental impacts of digital technology.
• Computational thinking, algorithms, and programming: Algorithms (design, decomposition, abstraction), programming fundamentals (variables, data types, structures like sequences/selection/iteration), robust programming (defensive design, testing), and computational logic (Boolean, truth tables).
• Practical programming: You will learn to write, test, and debug programs using a high-level language (e.g., Python is commonly used in schools). The course emphasises problem-solving, logical thinking, and applying digital concepts to real-world scenarios, with a focus on coding projects to build practical skills.

How is the course assessed:

100% exam-based (linear, all exams at the end of the course):

• Paper 1: Computer Systems – 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% – Covers computer systems, networks, security, and impacts of technology.
• Paper 2: Computational Thinking and Programming Fundamentals – 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50% – Covers algorithms, programming, logic, and includes questions requiring you to write/analyse code. No separate coursework or NEA (non-exam assessment) in the current specification (first teaching 2020 onwards); all content is assessed through the two written exams. Calculators are not allowed. Questions range from multiple-choice to extended programming tasks.

Post-16 courses:

A Level Computer Science, A Level Information Technology, Level 3 BTEC in Computing/IT, apprenticeships in software development, cyber security, or digital support. Many progress to university degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related fields. Strong GCSE grade (5+ or 6+) is often required for A Level Computer Science.

Careers:

Software developer/engineer, web developer, app developer, cybersecurity analyst, data analyst, IT support technician, network engineer, games developer, AI/machine learning specialist, digital marketing, systems analyst, and roles in tech industries, finance, healthcare, gaming, and government. Digital skills are in high demand across all sectors, with excellent job prospects and salaries in the UK’s growing tech economy.

Specific advantages:

The course builds essential 21st-century skills like coding, logical reasoning, and problem-solving, which are transferable to many subjects and careers. It’s practical and engaging, with opportunities to create your own programs and understand the technology behind everyday devices. It prepares you for a digital world, boosts creativity through programming, and is highly regarded by employers/universities. At Discovery Academy, as part of the options, it offers a pathway for students interested in tech without needing prior advanced experience.

How useful it is in the real world:

Extremely useful – we live in a digital age where almost every job involves technology, from using software/tools to understanding data security and automation. Employers actively seek candidates with computing knowledge for roles needing problem-solving, coding, or digital literacy. It equips you to navigate online safety, evaluate tech impacts, and adapt to future innovations like AI and automation. Strong GCSE Computer Science improves employability, supports higher earnings potential in tech-related fields, and fosters critical thinking applicable to everyday decisions, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving digital society.