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For GCSE (9-1) Computer Science (J277), all students must be given the opportunity to design, write, test and refine programs during their course of study.
This opportunity can be given by undertaking an extended programming task, or by using a selection of smaller tasks
The programming tasks should allow candidates to gain practical experience of the programming skills listed within the specification.
The programming task(s) must allow candidates to design, write, test and refine programs in a high-level text-based programming language(s).
Each task may focus on design, write, test and refine as a whole, individually, or combinations of these. For example, you may give candidates a design and then they code a program from this design. Or candidates may be given a working program and test the program to ensure its functionality. Similarly, you could ask candidates to design and write a program as a single task.
We recommend that programming tasks encourage the use of combinations of techniques. For example, arrays/lists and loops. Using functions for specific, repeatable tasks. Using loops to both read from and write to files.
Practical programming skills are assessed in Component 2 of the written examination. Section B is designed to reflect the experiences of programming within the classroom.
We have provided a range of ideas for tasks on our website and Teach Cambridge. However, these are not limiting. You are free to design and use your own tasks with candidates. You may also customise the tasks we provide.
For GCSE Computer Science, you must complete a practical programming statement for all examination series in which candidates are entered confirming you have met the requirements in Section 2d of the specification (Design, Write, Test, Refine).
The statement must be completed by someone who can declare that the requirements have been met. This may be your Head of Centre or Head of Department.
Statements must be submitted to us by 15 May.