What is examined in the OCR A Level Computer Science Paper 1?
It focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems
The content assessed in Paper 1 (Component 01) includes:
Characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Software and software development
Exchanging data
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
The content of computer systems is expected to underpin studies in computational thinking, programming techniques, and the programming project
The paper’s duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
The total number of marks available is 140
Paper 1 represents 40% of the total A Level qualification
Assessment structure and questions
This is a written paper
It consists of a mix of questions, including short answer, longer answer, and some higher tariff questions designed to test the quality of extended responses
All questions are compulsory, and candidates must answer directly on the question paper
Calculators are not permitted in this examination
The paper assesses Assessment Objectives (AO) AO1, AO2, and AO3:
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding): Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts
AO2 (Application): Applying knowledge and understanding to analyse problems in computational terms
AO3 (Solution Provision): Designing, programming, and evaluating computer systems, making reasoned judgments and presenting conclusions
Questions may cover various aspects, including following and correcting algorithms and programs, software development, and legal and moral issues
Key considerations for students
Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of this component and will be assessed in the written paper
This includes Boolean algebra, comparison of complexity of algorithms, and number representation and bases
While the concepts may be Level 2, their application is expected in a Level 3 context
This component is generally taught first, providing foundational knowledge for the algorithms and programming component (02)
The programming project (Component 03 or 04) will draw on the knowledge and understanding gained from both component 01 and component 02