Computing Revision
GCSE Computer Science Resources
With the GCSE season approaching, it is essential that students know what they content they should be revising to get the best possible outcome. To help with this the computing teacher, has prepared a resource covering the topics you need to learn, alongside some recommend resources to help.
| Component | Title | Weighting | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | Computer Systems (J277/01) | 50% | 80 | 1 Hour 30 Mins |
| Paper 2 | Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming (J277/02) | 50% | 80 | 1 Hour 30 Mins |
| Paper 1: Computer Systems This paper covers how the “physical” side of technology works and the impact of technology on society. 1.1 Systems Architecture: The CPU, Von Neumann architecture, and performance factors. 1.2 Memory and Storage: RAM, ROM, Virtual Memory, and Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD). 1.3 Computer Networks: LANs, WANs, the Internet, and protocols (IP, MAC, TCP/IP). 1.4 Network Security: Threats (malware, phishing) and prevention (firewalls, encryption). 1.5 Systems Software: Operating systems and utility software. 1.6 Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concerns: The impact of technology. | Paper 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming This paper focuses on the “logic” and “software” side, including problem-solving and coding skills. 2.1 Algorithms: Computational thinking, searching (Binary/Linear), and sorting (Bubble/Merge/Insertion). 2.2 Programming Fundamentals: Variables, loops, and data types (often using Python). 2.3 Producing Robust Programs: Defensive design, testing, and finding errors. 2.4 Boolean Logic: Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT) and truth tables. 2.5 Programming Languages & IDEs: High-level vs. Low-level languages and coding tools. |
Recommended Revision Books
Available on Amazon:
CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science Revision Guide: The “standard” for GCSE revision. Clear, concise, and includes a free online edition. Link here
ClearRevise OCR GCSE J277 (PG Online): Highly recommended by teachers for its visual layout and high-quality exam-style questions. Link here
CGP OCR GCSE Computer Science Exam Practice Workbook: Essential for practicing the specific style of questions asked in the exam. Link here
Top Revision Websites
- Seneca Learning: Excellent for “little and often” revision with interactive quizzes. Students have a school account for this.
- Isaac Computer Science: A high-level, free resource supported by the Department for Education. Free to use.
- KnowItAll Ninja: A gamified revision platform specifically built for the OCR specification. This is a paid for service.
- SmartRevise: A powerful tool for daily “burst” practice of exam questions. This is a paid for service.
- BBC Bitesize: Link here to specification pages: GCSE Computer Science – OCR – BBC Bitesize
Top YouTube Channels
Watching a video can often make complex logic or hardware concepts much easier to understand.
- Craig ‘n’ Dave: The “gold standard” for OCR Computer Science. They have a video for every single bullet point in the specification. Playlist linked here.
- Computer Science Tutor: Great for detailed walk-throughs of past papers and exam techniques. List of playlists covering the content linked here.
- Mr Moore: Clear, concise videos that focus on specific topics like Memory or Boolean Logic. Playlist linked here.
