What is examined in the OCR A Level Computer Science Paper 2?
It focuses on computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and algorithm design, building upon the foundational knowledge gained in component 01 (Computer Systems)
The content assessed in Paper 2 (Component 02) includes:
Elements of computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms
The paper’s duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
The total number of marks available is 140
Paper 2 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
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
The paper is divided into two sections:
Section A will contain questions covering writing algorithms and computational methods, programming, and programming techniques
These may include shorter answer questions
Section B will begin with a scenario that provides information for the questions that follow
These questions will largely be of a higher tariff, with problem-solving algorithms and programming forming the basis
Programming and algorithmic responses
Candidates will need to write answers in pseudocode
When using pseudocode, learners are not expected to memorise the exact syntax shown in the syllabus guide, but their answers should be inferable by a competent programmer
The general style for pseudocode will use keywords in lowercase (e.g., if, repeat, procedure), and identifiers in mixed case (e.g., NumberOfPlayers)
Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the qualification and will be assessed in the written papers
Synoptic assessment is included in this component, drawing together knowledge, understanding, and skills from different aspects of the A Level Computer Science course, especially building on Component 01
Key considerations for students
Develop strong computational thinking skills and practice applying them to problems
Gain extensive practical experience in designing, writing, testing, and debugging programs using procedural/imperative and object-oriented languages
Focus on the logic of algorithms and programs, as the exact programming language syntax is not examined, but the logic is considered more important
Familiarise yourself with the specified pseudocode style
Understand and be able to implement and compare standard searching and sorting algorithms
Be prepared to write extended responses that demonstrate the quality of written communication