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Computing in partnership with OCR. Jade Cassidy March 2013. OCR Mission. OCR is a not-for-profit organisation so success, for us, is measured through the impact and reach of our activities and the scale of our contribution to helping learners realise their aspirations.
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Computing in partnership with OCR Jade Cassidy March 2013
OCR Mission OCR is a not-for-profit organisation so success, for us, is measured through the impact and reach of our activities and the scale of our contribution to helping learners realise their aspirations. Our purpose is to work in partnership with others to provide assessments that support educationin ways which enable all learners to reach their full potential and to recognise and celebrate their achievements.
Pre KS4 KS4 KS5 Entry Level Computing GCSE Computing GCE Computing (A-level) Computing GCSE ICT GCE ICT (A-level) ICT Entry Level ICT Cambridge Nationals ICT Cambridge Technical ICT Cambridge Nationals Creative iMedia Cambridge Technicals Media Media
GCSE Computing: 3 Complimentary Units A451 Computer Systems and Programming 40% 1.5hr exam (80 marks) A452 Practical Investigation 30% Controlled Assmt Investigative Task (45 marks) A453 Programming Project 30% Controlled Assmt Programming Task (45 Marks) 1 2 3
A451 - Content • Computer systems • Computing hardware • Software • Data representation • Databases • Networks • Programming Assesses the fundamental concepts that candidates need to know, understand and apply These form the basis or starting point for the practical investigation in A452 Learnt alongside A453
A452 - Content A controlled assessment unit based around a brief scenario - students will need to research and then carry out practical exercises. Task Setting – High Control OCR provide a bank of at least 6 assignments that centres will be able to choose from Task Taking – Medium Control Work to be completed under informal supervision to ensure no plagiarism Research – Low Control No need for formal supervision
A452 - Content This unit is mostly practical This unit provides the opportunity to have hands on experience covering material beyond A451. Some background work will be necessary and teacher guidance is expected to help students get started on the task. Learners will be expected to complete a report on the findings. Some sample tasks include Little Man Computer, A Shopping Cart, JavaScript – validating web forms, Encryption using a spreadsheet…
A452 - Content This unit is mostly practical This unit provides the opportunity to have hands on experience covering material beyond A451. Some background work will be necessary and teacher guidance is expected to help students get started on the task. Learners will be expected to complete a report on the findings. Some sample tasks include Little Man Computer, A Shopping Cart, JavaScript – validating web forms, Encryption using a spreadsheet…
A452 - Content Guided learning hours: (suggested) • Introduction to the concepts required within normal teaching time • Introduction to the task - 2 hours • Initial research and practice - 6 hours • Completing the task and writing the report -12 hours
A453 - Content The programming unit is designed for the students to demonstrate the use of various standard programming techniques. The tasks are set to make it likely candidates will use a good range of the techniques listed in the specification– however it is clear in the Controlled Assessment candidates do NOT need to utilise all the techniques to score. Again a small selection of tasks will be available on our Interchange system.
A453 - Techniques • Use variables, operators, inputs, outputs and assignments • Use the three basic programming constructs used to control the flow of a program: Sequence; Conditionals; Iteration • Use suitable loops including count and condition controlled loops • Use different types of data including Boolean, String, Integer and Real appropriately • Use basic string manipulation • Use basic file handling operations: open, read, write and close • Use arrays as appropriate when solving problems
A453 - Content • Candidates should plan their solution effectively and demonstrate the use of algorithms to define their solutions. • Testing is an essential element and must be demonstrated throughout the ‘report’ • Evaluation of the solution using test results is also essential. Whilst there is a ‘report’, the nature of this report is flexible • Students may submit video, printed output, screen shots, presentations, annotated code, other?
Computer Science in the EBacc • From January 2013 the OCR GCSE Computing counts as a science option in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) for secondary school league tables - alongside Physics, Chemistry and Biology • Any student who sits any three of the four separate sciences and achieves at least a C in two of them will meet the science requirement of the EBacc • Science plus Additional Science will still count towards the EBacc as an alternative combination. Computing cannot be substituted for Science or Additional Science in this combination. • Currently it would be existing GCSE qualifications that would be counted within the EBacc measure • Any CS specifications to be included in the EBacc will have to be approved by the BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT) – which our is!
Key Partners Google • Google announced on 29 January they were going to provide funding for 15,000 free Raspberry Pi computers to be distributed to schools to support and promote delivery of Computing. Raspberry Pi • OCR are working in close partnership with Raspberry Pi to promote Computing in the classroom, including developing free classroom resources (developed with Rasp Pi & CAS) to support the delivery of OCR specs & working with them at BETT to provide demos. Computing at Schools (CAS) • Working on supporting CAS with the training of specialists or ‘master teachers’ who can then provide further training and advice to a wider teaching group.
Got to be in it, to win it! OCR is a key partner of the Google sponsored Raspberry Pi Project. Together, we will be delivering FREE Raspberry Pis to shortlisted centres around the country If your centre (school/college) would like to be considered please email your contact details to the OCR Contact Centre General.qualifications@ocr.org.uk We will be in touch with details of how to express your interest when the project is fully launched
Entry Level Certificate - Computing A certificate that offers a learner the chance to develop and apply computing capabilities before they move onto GCSE Computing. Providing the opportunity to gain accreditation at: Entry Level 1 Entry Level 2 Entry Level 3 The Entry Level Certificate in Computing enables candidates to: • Develop their understanding of the fundamental hardware of a computer system • Develop their understanding of common types of software • Develop an understanding of simple logic • Acquire the skills to write simple computer programs • Develop an understanding of the development of a computer technology and the effects it has had
Entry Level Certificate - Computing OCR expects teachers to supervise and guide candidates who are undertaking work that is internally assessed. The degree of teacher guidance will vary according to the kind of work being undertaken. It should be remembered, however, that candidates are required to reach their own judgments and conclusions.
Appropriate Candidates… • Entire cohorts at KS3, to include some Computer Science in KS3 programmes of study with a recognised qualification, and enable pupils to make informed choices about studying Computing at KS4 • In mixed ability KS4 classes, to provide a “gentle introduction” to Computer Science alongside studying GCSE, motivating pupils by gaining early recognition for their learning • Smaller cohorts of after school learners with a passion for Computing Schools are considering using the results of Entry Level Certificate to pin point learners who might be best suited to the GCSE Computing
Progression… • An entry level qualification assesses levels 1-3 of the national curriculum. GCSE assesses level 4 and above • The ELC provides an introduction to the topics on the OCR GCSE in Computing. As the GCSE makes no assumptions of prior knowledge, there is a small overlap • Strands 1, 2 and 3 of the ELC correspond roughly to the units of the OCR GCSE in Computing • Progression between ELC and GCSE was considered when designing the specification (eg binary numbers) Note that candidates entered for this specification may also be entered for an OCR GCSE full course in Computing in the same session. There are no exclusions.
Support - training Entry Level Computing – London 26th April “Getting to know the specification” FREE half day event event
Questions? Jade Cassidy OCR Regional Account Manager 07872415344 jade.cassidy@ocr.org.uk