Guidance

Computer science: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

Applies to England

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1. Grade 8

1.1 To achieve grade 8 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles including digital systems and societal impacts
  • effectively apply fundamental concepts, principles and mathematical skills, using sustained analytical, logical and evaluative computational thinking, to a wide range of complex problems
  • develop and refine a complete solution that meets the requirements of a substantial problem

2. Grade 5

2.1 To achieve grade 5 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles including digital systems and societal impacts
  • appropriately apply fundamental concepts, principles and mathematical skills, using analytical, logical and evaluative computational thinking, to a range of problems
  • produce a working solution that meets most requirements of a substantial problem

3. Grade 2

3.1 To achieve grade 2 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate limited knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles including digital systems and societal impacts
  • apply fundamental concepts, principles and mathematical skills, using basic analytical and logical computational thinking, to straightforward problems with limited accuracy
  • produce a partially working solution that meets some requirements of a substantial problem
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