Grade descriptors
for GCSEs graded 9 to 1: computer science

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
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
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
Command words
Command words are the words and phrases used in assessment tasks that tell students how they should answer questions.
- Calculate Work out the value of something.
- Compare Identify similarities and/or differences.
- Complete Finish a task by adding to given information.
- Convert Change data from one specified form to another.
- Define Specify meaning.
- Describe Set out characteristics.
- Develop Take forward or build upon given information.
- Discuss Present key points.
- Draw Produce a diagram.
- Explain Set out purposes or reasons.
- Extend Further develop based on existing information.
- Give Produce an answer from recall.
- Justify Support a case with evidence.
- State Express in clear terms.
- Suggest Present a possible case/solution.
What People Are Saying
There really is no substitute for hard work
-
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do. "
Pele -
"There is no substitute for hard work. "
Thomas A. Edison -
"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work."
Stephen King