Paper 1 Guidance (OCR A Level Computer Science): Revision Note

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