OCR GCSE (J277) Premium resources

Change log

• 29/11/24 – SLR 2.4 Workbook Answers.pptx
  Corrected slide 14, activity 16 column F third from bottom from 1 to 0.
  Not uploaded yet.
• 20/04/23 – SLR 2.1 Workbook.pptx & Workbook Answers.pptx
  Updated code examples to be more consistent with either Python syntax or reference language.
• 20/04/23 – SLR 2.2 Workbook.pptx & Workbook Answers.pptx
  Updated code examples to be more consistent with either Python syntax or reference language.
• 18/04/23 – SLR 1.6 Lesson 1 – Ethical issues.pptx
  Updated link to ethical debate as the original website is no longer available.
• 18/04/23 – Paper 2 exam revision unit TEST – Trace table exercise 7
  Removed 1 from the output tests because 1 is not prime.
• 18/04/23 – SLR 2.5 Programming languages and IDEs
  Changed lesson 3 to include an easier emulator and a better syntax error.
• 09/11/22 – SLR 2.2 Programming fundamentals
  Fixed a slide reference error on slide 11.
  Added model solution for super challenge.
• 01/02/22 – Telium text adventure game programming project
  Significant upgrade to all aspects.
• 15/12/21 – SLR 2.4 Boolean logic Test Answers.docx
  Corrected a minor error in the headings of the truth table for question 1. Does not affect the test.
• 25/11/21 – SLR 1.2 Memory and storage
  Numerous minor updates and tweaks
• 25/11/21 – SLR 2.2 Programming fundamentals
  Numerous minor updates and tweaks
• 25/11/21 – PowerPoints updated to correct minor mistakes:
  • GCSE OCR 1.2 Converting between denary and 2-digit hexadecimal.pptx
  • GCSE OCR 1.4 Forms of attack.pptx
  • GCSE OCR 1.6 Impacts of digital technology on wider society.pptx
• 30/8/21 – Schemes of learning
  All calendars and schemes of learning updated.
• 05/03/21 – SLR 2.5 Programming languages and IDEs
  LMC tasks were missing the answers in this SLR. The activities have been updated and now also include answers. Note they are the same as the resources in OCR H046 & H446 so learners can continue with the challenges. Many are beyond the expectation for GCSE for challenge. Completing the beginner’s problems would be enough for GCSE.
• 01/12/20 – SLR 1.2 workbook (part 2).pptx
  3 missing triominoes on slide 13. Fixed.
• 25/11/20 – SLR 1.2 workbook (part 2).pptx
  Sampling activity included answers on the slide. Fixed.
• 11/10/20 – SLR 1.3 workbook.pptx & 1.3 workbook answers.pptx
  Update to specification for DNS. Included.
• 11/10/20 – SLR 2.2 workbook.pptx & 2.2 workbook answers.pptx
  Update to specification for 2D array emulating records and fields. Included.
  Update to specification for identification of local variable, global variable, arrays (passing and returning). Included.
• 11/10/20 – Paper 2 exam revision unit: OCR Reference language guide (exam pseudocode).docx
  Updates to requirements. Included.

OCR GCSE Computer Science J277 Overview

The OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) syllabus is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in computing principles and practices. The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science and is structured around key lessons that prepare students for the modern digital world. Below is a brief overview of the lessons included in the J277 syllabus.

1. System Architecture

In this module, students explore the fundamental design of computer systems, learning how key components like the CPU, memory, and input/output devices work together—understanding how the processor functions, along with concepts such as fetch-execute cycles, lays the groundwork for grasping how computers execute tasks.

2. Memory and Storage

Students dive into the different types of memory, such as RAM and ROM, and how data is stored in computers. They will learn about secondary storage devices, their capacities, speed, and costs, and explore the importance of data persistence in computing systems.

3. Computer Networks, Connections, and Protocols

This section teaches students about the basics of computer networks, including how computers connect and communicate through various types of networks. It covers protocols like TCP/IP and introduces concepts such as the client-server model, data transmission, and the role of hardware in facilitating network connections.

4. Network Security

Cybersecurity is a key focus of modern computing. In this lesson, students will learn how to secure networks from threats such as malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks. They’ll explore different types of security protocols and measures, such as encryption and firewalls, that are used to protect sensitive data.

5. System Software

Here, students gain an understanding of system software, particularly operating systems and utilities. The focus is on how software manages hardware resources, facilitates communication between hardware and software, and ensures the smooth running of applications.

6. Ethical, Legal, Cultural, and Environmental Concerns

Computing does not exist in a vacuum, and this lesson brings students face-to-face with the broader impact of technology on society. They’ll explore ethical and legal issues such as data protection, as well as cultural and environmental considerations that influence the development and use of technology.

7. Algorithms

Students develop problem-solving skills by learning about algorithms, the step-by-step instructions that computers follow to perform tasks. This module covers techniques for designing and evaluating algorithms, including flowcharts, pseudocode, and trace tables, all essential for efficient programming.

8. Programming Fundamentals

Understanding how to code is at the heart of the OCR J277 syllabus. This module introduces students to programming concepts such as variables, loops, and functions. It is designed to develop a strong foundation in writing code, particularly using Python, and applying logic to solve problems.

9. Producing Robust Programs

Students will learn how to design and develop programs that are efficient, reliable, and maintainable. This lesson focuses on best practices such as debugging, testing, and defensive programming to ensure programs are robust and can handle errors gracefully.

10. Boolean Logic

Boolean logic is the foundation of digital circuits and decision-making in computing. Students explore how logical operators and truth tables are used to create conditions and control the flow of programs.

11. Programming Languages and IDEs

In the final module, students gain an understanding of different programming languages and how they interact with computer hardware. They will also learn how to use integrated development environments (IDEs) to write, test, and debug code efficiently

The OCR J277 syllabus provides a comprehensive learning path that balances theory and practical application, preparing students for future studies or careers in technology. For detailed resources and lesson plans tailored to the OCR GCSE Computer Science (J277) course, explore our full range of teaching materials.