SEXEY’S SCHOOL

EXAMINATION GUIDE
Subject Computer Science
Course code Computer Science (9-1) - J277
Website address https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/
computer-science-j277-from-2020/
Provisional Paper 1: J277/01 Computer Systems
examination 50%:
dates
Paper 2: J277/ 02 Computational thinking, algorithms
and programming
50%:

GCSE grade type 9-1

awarded
Revision books Clear Revise:
https://www.pgonline.co.uk/resources/computer-
science/gcse-ocr/clearrevise-j277/

Useful websites  https://student.craigndave.org/

 https://quizlet.com/en-gb/content/ocr-gcse-
computer-science-flashcards
 https://smartrevise.online/
 https://senecalearning.com/
1.1 Systems Architecture

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU

 I can explain the purpose of the CPU

 I can explain what actions occur at each stage of the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the (ALU) Arithmetic Logic Unit and what data it
 stores during the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the (CU) Control Unit and what it manages and
 controls during the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the Cache and what data it stores during the fetch-
 execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the (MAR) Memory Address Register in the Von
 Neumann architecture and what addresses it stores during the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the (MDR) Memory Data Register in the Von
 Neumann architecture and what data it stores during the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the (PC) Program Counter in the Von Neumann
 architecture and what data/address it stores during the fetch-execute cycle

I can explain the role/purpose of the Accumulator in the Von Neumann architecture
 and what data it stores during the fetch-execute cycle

 I understand the difference between storing an address and data

1.1.2 CPU Performance

 I can explain how the clock speed affects the CPU performance

 I can explain how the cache size affects the CPU performance

 I can explain how the number of cores affects the CPU performance

1.1.3 Embedded Systems

 I can explain the purpose and characteristics of embedded systems

 I can give a range of examples of different embedded systems

1.2 Memory & Storage

Clarification ✔

1.2.1 Primary storage (Memory)

I can explain why computers have primary storage

I can explain why primary storage usually consists of ROM and RAM

I can explain the difference and key characteristics of ROM and RAM

I can explain the purpose of ROM in a computer system

I can explain the purpose of RAM in a computer system

I can explain why virtual memory may be needed in a system

I can explain how virtual memory works and the transfer of data between RAM and the HDD

Clarification ✔

1.2.2 Secondary storage

I can explain why computers have secondary storage

I understand what optical storage media is and how it works

I can identify the advantages and disadvantages of optical storage media

I can identify different types of optical storage devices

I understand what magnetic storage media is and how it works

I can identify the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic storage media

I can identify different types of magnetic storage devices

I understand what solid state storage media is and how it works

I can identify the advantages and disadvantages of solid state storage media

I can identify different types of solid state storage devices

I can compare storage media and devices, identifying the most suitable for a given scenario

I can compare storage media based on their capacity

I can compare storage media based on their speed

I can compare storage media based on their portability

I can compare storage media based on their durability

I can compare storage media based on their reliability

I can compare storage media based on their cost

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.2.3 Units

 I can explain why data must be stored in binary format

 I can explain how data needs to be converted into binary format to be processed by a
computer
I can identify the different data units bit, nibble (4 bits), byte (8 bits), kilobyte (1,000 bytes
 or 1KB), megabyte (1,000 KB), Gigabyte (1,000 MB), Terabyte (1,000 GB), Petabyte (1,000
TB)

 I can calculate the capacity of devices for different data units

 I can calculate the require storage capacity for a given set of files

 I can calculate the file sizes for sound files (file size = sample rate x duration(s) x bit depth)
 I can calculate the file sizes for images (file size = colour depth x image height(px) x image
width(px))

 I can calculate the file sizes for text files (file size = bits per character x number of
characters)

1.2.4 Data Storage

Numbers

 I can convert positive denary whole numbers (0 – 255) to binary numbers (up to and
including 8 bits) and vice versa

 I can add two binary integers together (up to and including 8 bits) and explain overflow
errors which may occur

 I can convert positive denary whole numbers into 2-digit hexadecimal numbers (00 – FF)
and vice versa

 I can convert binary integers to their hexadecimal equivalents and vice versa

 I understand the terms ‘most significant bit’, and ‘least significant bit’.

 I can carry out a binary shift and understand the effect (both left and right) on a number

Characters

 I understand how binary codes are used to represent characters

 I can explain what is meant by the term ‘character set’

 I can explain the relationship between the number of bits per character, and the number of
characters which can be represented, e.g. ASCII and Unicode

 I can explain the differences between and impact of each character set

 I understand how character sets are logically ordered, e.g. the code for ‘B’ will be one more
than ‘A’

 I can perform a binary shift and understand the effect (both left and right) on a number

 I know that the binary representation of ASCII in the exam will use 8 bits

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.2.4 Data Storage

Images

 I understand how an image is represented as a series of pixels, represented in binary

 I can explain how each pixel has a specific colour, represented by a specific code

 I can explain the effect on image size and quality when changing colour depth and
resolution

 I understand what additional information is stored in the metadata (e.g. height, width)

Sound

 I understand how analogue sound can be sampled and stored in digital form (binary).

 I understand that the sample rate is measured in Hertz (Hz)

 I understand that the bit depth refers to the number of bits available to store each sample
(e.g. 16-bit)

 I understand that the duration refers to the number of seconds of audio the sound file
contains.

 I can explain the effect of sample rate, duration and bit depth on the playback quality and
size of the sound file.

1.2.5 Compression

 I understand the need for compression.

 I can identify the advantages and disadvantages lossy and lossless compression.

 I can explain the effects on the file for each type of compression.

 I can identify common scenarios where compression may be needed.

1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.3.1 Networks and topologies

 I can explain the difference between a LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area
Network)

 I understand the different factors that can affect the performance of a network, e.g. the
numbers of devices connected and the bandwidth

 I can explain the different roles of computers in a client-server and a peer-to-peer network

I can identify the hardware needed to connect stand-alone computers into a Local Area
 Network including wireless access points, routers, switches, NIC (Network Interface
Controller/Card) and Transmission media.

 I can explain the tasks performed by each piece of network hardware.

 I understand the concept of the Internet as a network of computer networks.

 I understand a Domain Name Service (DNS) is made up of multiple Domain Name Servers

 I can explain the role of the DNS (Domain Name Server) in the conversion of a URL to an IP
address.

 I understand the concept of servers providing services (e.g. Web Server -> Web pages, File
Server -> files storage/retrieval)

 I understand the concept of Hosting and clients requesting/using services from a server

 I understand what is meant by ‘The Cloud’ and remote service provision (e.g. storage,
software, processing)

 I can explain the advantages and disadvantages of ‘The Cloud’.

 I can explain the advantages and disadvantages of the Star and Mesh topologies

 I can apply my understanding of networks to a given scenario

1.3.2 Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers

 I can compare the benefits and drawbacks of wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth) connections

 I am able to recommend one or more connections for a given scenario

 I understand the principle of encryption to secure data across network connections
 I understand IP addressing and the format of an IP address (IPv4 and IPv6) for
communication over the Internet

 I understand that MAC addresses are assigned to a devices for use within a network

 I understand the principle of a standard to provide rules for areas of computing

 I can explain how standards allow hardware/software to interact across different
manufacturers/producers

 I can explain the principle of a (communication) protocol as a set of rules for transferring
data

 I understand that different types of protocols are used for different purposes

 I can explain the basic principle of the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol) including its purpose and key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) including its
purpose and key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) including
its purpose and key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) including its purpose and
key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the POP (Post Office Protocol) including its purpose and
key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) including
its purpose and key features

 I can explain the basic principle of the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) including its
purpose and key features

 I understand the concept of layers and can explain the benefits of using layers e.g. the 4-
layer TCP/IP model

1.4 Network Security

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.4.1 Threats to computer systems and networks

 I can explain how Malware is used, its purpose and the threats posed to devices/systems
 I can explain how Social engineering (e.g. phishing, people as a ‘weak point’) is used, its
purpose and the threats posed to devices/systems

 I can explain how a Brute-force attack is used, its purpose and the threats posed to
devices/systems

 I can explain how a Denial of service attack is used, its purpose and the threats posed to
devices/systems

 I can explain how a Data interception and theft is used, its purpose and the threats posed
to devices/systems

 I can explain the concept of how SQL injection is used, its purpose and the threats posed to
devices/systems

1.4.2 Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Penetration testing

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Anti-malware software

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Firewalls

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
User access levels

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Passwords

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Encryption

 I understand how to limit/prevent threats posed and remove vulnerabilities through use of
Physical security

1.5 Systems Software

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.5.1 Operating systems

 I can explain the purpose of the operating system

 I can identify the different types and features of a user interface

 I can explain how the operating system performs memory management, e.g. the transfer of
data between memory, and how this allows for multitasking

 I understand that data is transferred between devices and the processor, and that this
process needs to be managed

 I can explain how peripherals are managed and the need for device drivers

 I can explain user management functions, e.g. allocation of an account, access rights,
security, etc.

 I can explain file management, and the key features, e.g. naming, allocating to folders,
moving files, saving, etc.

1.5.2 Utility software

 I understand that computers often come with utility software, and how this performs
housekeeping tasks

 I can explain the purpose of encryption software and why it is required

 I can explain the purpose of defragmentation software and why it is required

 I can explain the purpose of data compression software and why it is required

1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Confidence Clarification ✔

1.6.1 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact

 I understand that technology introduces ethical, legal, cultural, environmental and privacy
issues.
 I can discuss, using a variety of digital technology examples, ethical issues and the impact of
technology on wider society

 I can discuss, using a variety of digital technology examples, privacy issues and the impact
of technology on wider society

 I can discuss, using a variety of digital technology examples, cultural issues and the impact
of technology on wider society

 I can discuss, using a variety of digital technology examples, environmental issues and the
impact of technology on wider society

 I can discuss, using a variety of digital technology examples, legal issues and the impact of
technology on wider society

 I can explain the purpose of The Data Protection Act 2018 and the specific actions it allows
or prohibits

 I can explain the purpose of the Computer Misuse Act 1998 and the specific actions it
allows or prohibits

 I can explain the purpose of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the specific
actions it allows or prohibits

 I can explain the need to license software and the purpose of a software license

 I can explain the features of open source software (providing access to the source code and
the ability to change the software)

 I can explain the features of proprietary software (no access to the source code, purchased
commonly as off-the-shelf)

 I can recommend a type of license for a given scenario including benefits and drawbacks

2.1 Algorithms

Confidence Clarification ✔

2.1.1 Computational Thinking

 I understand how the principle of Abstraction and how it can be used to define and refine
problems

 I understand how the principle of Decomposition and how it can be used to define and
 refine problems

 I understand how the principle of Algorithmic Thinking and how it can be used to define and
refine problems

2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms

 I can identify the inputs, processes, and outputs for a problem

 I produce simple structure diagrams to show the structure of a problem, the subsections and
their links to other subsections

 I can complete, write or refine an algorithm using pseudocode

 I can complete, write or refine an algorithm using flowcharts

 I can complete, write or refine an algorithm using OCR reference language or Python

 I can identify syntax/logic errors in code and suggest fixes

 I can create and use trace tables to follow an algorithm

2.1.3 Searching and sorting algorithms

 I understand the main steps of a binary search algorithm

 I understand the pre-requisites of a binary search algorithm

 I can apply a binary search algorithm to a data set

 I can identify a binary search algorithm if given the code or pseudocode for it

 I understand the main steps of a linear search algorithm

 I can apply a linear search algorithm to a data set

 I can identify a binary search algorithm if given the code or pseudocode for it

 I understand the main steps of a bubble sort algorithm

 I can apply a bubble sort algorithm to a data set

 I can identify a bubble sort algorithm if given the code or pseudocode for it
 I understand the main steps of a merge sort algorithm

 I can apply a merge sort algorithm to a data set

 I can identify a merge sort algorithm if given the code or pseudocode for it

 I understand the main steps of a insertion sort algorithm

 I can apply a insertion sort algorithm to a data set

 I can identify a insertion sort algorithm if given the code or pseudocode for it

2.2 Programming fundamentals

Confidence Clarification ✔

2.2.1 Programming fundamentals

 I understand and can use variables and constants in the Python high-level programming
language

 I understand and can use inputs and outputs in the Python high-level programming language

 I understand and can use the comparison operators ( == Equal to, != Not equal to, < Less
than, <= Less than or equal to, > Greater than, >= Greater than or equal to )

 I understand and can use the arithmetic operators ( + Addition, - Subtraction, *
Multiplication, / Division, MOD Modulus, DIV Quotient, ^ Exponentiation (to the power) )

 I understand the use of the three programming constructs (sequence, selection, and
iteration) and how they’re used to control the flow of a program

 I am able to identify sequence in code or pseudocode

 I am able to identify selection in code or pseudocode

 I am able to identify iteration (count and condition controlled loops) in code or pseudocode

 I understand and can use the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT

2.2.2 Data types

 I understand and can use Integer numbers in the Python high-level programming language
 I understand and can use Real numbers in the Python high-level programming language

 I understand and can use Boolean values in the Python high-level programming language

 I understand and can use Characters and Strings in the Python high-level programming
language

 I understand and can use Casting in the Python high-level programming language

 I am able to choose suitable data types for data in a given scenario

 I understand that data types may be temporarily changed through casting, and where this
may be useful

2.2.3 Additional programming techniques

 I understand and can use basic string manipulation (Concatenation and Slicing) in the
Python high-level programming language

 I understand and can use basic file handling operations (Open, Read, Write, and Close) in
the Python high-level programming language

 I understand the use of records to store data

 I understand the use of arrays as fixed length or static structures when solving problems,
including both one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional arrays (2D)

 I understand the use of 2D arrays to emulate database tables of a collection of fields, and
records.

 I understand the use of SQL to search for data in a database

 I understand and can write SQL statements using SELECT, FROM and WHERE

 I understand how to use sub programs (functions and procedures) to produce structured
code and where to use them effectively

 I can use local variables/constants within functions and procedures

 I can use global variables/constants within functions and procedures

 I can use arrays (passing and returning) within functions and procedures

 I can create and use random numbers in a program

2.3 Producing robust programs

Confidence Clarification ✔

2.3.1 Defensive design

 I understand the issues a programmer should consider to ensure that a program caters for
all likely input values and anticipate misuse

 I understand how to deal with invalid data in a program

 I understand the authentication is required to confirm the identity of a user

 I am able to design and create python code to provide simple authentication of a user (e.g.
username and password)

 I understand why commenting code is useful and can apply this appropriately

 I understand the benefits of using sub programs to improve maintainability

 I understand the benefits of using naming conventions for variables and constants to
improve maintainability

 I understand the benefits of indentation in program code to improve maintainability

2.3.2 Testing

 I understand the purpose of testing

 I can explain the difference between Iterative (testing modules of a program during
development) and Final/terminal testing (testing the program at the end of production)

 I can identify Syntax errors as errors which break the grammatical rules of the programming
language and stop it from being run/translated

 I can identify Logic errors as errors which produce unexpected output

 I can identify Normal test data as data which should be accepted by a program without
causing errors

 I can identify Boundary test data as data which should be accepted by a program without
causing errors

 I can identify Invalid test data as data of the correct data type which should be rejected by
the computer system

 I can identify Erroneous test data as data of the incorrect data type which should be rejected
by the computer system
 I am able to identify suitable test data for a given scenario

 I am able to create and complete a test plan

 I am able to use test results to refine algorithms

2.4 Boolean logic

Confidence Clarification ✔

2.4.1 Boolean logic

 I can identify the logic gate symbols for AND, OR and NOT

 I understand how each logic gate works and can complete truth tables for them

 I can complete simple logic gate diagrams using the operators AND, OR and NOT

 I can combine Boolean operators using AND, OR and NOT

 I can create, complete or edit logic diagrams for given scenarios

 I can create, complete or edit truth tables for given scenarios

 I can apply logical operators in truth tables to solve problems

 I am able to use test results to refine algorithms

2.5 Programming languages and IDE’s

Confidence Clarification ✔

2.5.1 Languages

 I can explain the differences between High and Low level programming languages

 I can explain the purpose of Translators

 I can explain the differences, benefits and drawbacks of using a Compiler or an Interpreter

2.5.2 The Integrated Development Environment (IDE)

 I can identify the tools that an IDE provides

 I can explain how Editors can be used to help a programmer develop a program

 I can explain how Error diagnostics can be used to help a programmer develop a program

 I can explain how a Run-time environment can be used to help a programmer develop a
program

 I can explain how Translators can be used to help a programmer develop a program

 I have practical experience of using a range of these tools within an IDE