COMPUTER-SCIENCE-J277 · Cambridge OCR GCSE (9–1)
COMPUTER-SCIENCE-J277/21
Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
Computer Science · June 2024 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: OCR
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
3.5 / 5
160
180 min
Algorithm Design and Problem Solving
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
160
Duration
180 min
Session difficulty
3.5 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks.
J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic.
Conversely, J277/02 proved to be the differentiator, testing students on practical algorithm design and precise programming techniques.
The paper demanded a solid understanding of both high-level programming constructs and structured pseudocode execution.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Computational Algorithmic Construction
Weight: 8100%Logic &
Weight: 563%Evaluation
Weight: 450%Technical Explanation
Weight: 338%Database & SQL Querying
Weight: 113%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Examiner report — national grade boundaries and question-level commentary
Level 9
Approx. 85% of maximum mark
Level 8
Approx. 79% of maximum mark
Level 7
Approx. 73% of maximum mark
Level 6
Approx. 64% of maximum mark
Level 5
Approx. 54% of maximum mark
Level 4
Approx. 45% of maximum mark
Level 3
Approx. 33% of maximum mark
Level 2
Approx. 20% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Match the expected response style for “Complete” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Write” questions.
Name or point to the specific feature asked for — avoid extra explanation.
Match the expected response style for “Give” questions.
Match the expected response style for “Show” questions.
Present multiple perspectives with evidence; balance breadth and depth.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.1
Min per mark: 1
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Designing, creating and refining algorithms
20 marks this session
Data storage
16 marks this session
Defensive design
12 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Data storage
Designing, creating and refining algorithms
Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers
Additional programming techniques
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact
Defensive design
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
J277/01: Computer Systems: J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming:
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Designing, creating and refining algorithms
20 marks this session
Practise in RevuiData storage
16 marks this session
Practise in RevuiDefensive design
12 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks.
- 2Message
J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic.
- 3Message
Conversely, J277/02 proved to be the differentiator, testing students on practical algorithm design and precise programming techniques.
- 4Message
The paper demanded a solid understanding of both high-level programming constructs and structured pseudocode execution.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Computer Science
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks. J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic. Converse
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks.
J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic.
Conversely, J277/02 proved to be the differentiator, testing students on practical algorithm design and precise programming techniques.
- Total marks
- 160
- Duration
- 180 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.5 / 5
Session analysis
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks. J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic. Conversely, J277/02 proved to be the differentiator, testing students on practical algorithm design and precise programming techniques. The paper demanded a solid understanding of both high-level programming constructs and structured pseudocode execution.
Updated Jun 14, 2026
Paper breakdown
J277/01: Computer Systems: J277/02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming:
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
81% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Algorithm Writing & Coding Completion
45·10·28%
Short Answer & Conversions
42·18·26%
Structured Explanations & Diagrams
40·14·25%
Trace Tables & Databases
(SQL)
25·5·16%
Long Answer Essay
(QER)
8·1·5%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Difficulty trend
Compare difficulty across recent years.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1 - Conversio
0.94 m/minPaper 2 - Section A
1.00 m/minPaper 2 - Section B
0.75 m/minTotal marks
113
Total time
125 min
Avg pace
0.90
Cumulative marks ladder
The line is your running mark total question by question; dashed lines are the estimated grade cut-offs. See which question the line crosses your target grade at, so you know how far you must answer cleanly and which questions decide a band.
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities
95%95%
Threats to computer systems and networks
90%90%
Compression
85%85%
Difficulty Verdict & Overall Performance
The 2024 J277 examination suite maintained OCR's reputation for academic rigour, but with a highly structured and fair distribution of marks. J277/01 (Computer Systems) was highly accessible, leaning heavily on core network concepts, CPU registers, and binary arithmetic. Conversely, J277/02 proved to be the differentiator, testing students on practical algorithm design and precise programming techniques. The paper demanded a solid understanding of both high-level programming constructs and structured pseudocode execution.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 30min
- Total marks
- 80
- Weighting
- 50%
- Question types
- Short Answer & Program Logic MCQs, Structured Code & Circuit Drawing, Algorithm Writing & Scenario Solutions
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.