Overview

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tends to focus more on using digital tools, applications, managing information, productivity software, communication tools, practical usage, and how ICT is applied in business/society.

Computer Science is more theoretical + programming focussed: you learn how computers work internally, algorithms, coding, data structures, computational thinking, etc.

Modules

Typical GCSE Computer Science Content

Using OCR’s J277 and similar specifications as reference. 

Here are the major topics:

Paper/Component 1: Computer Systems (≈ 50%)

1. Architecture of the CPU — control unit, ALU, registers, cache.
2. Memory & storage — primary (RAM, ROM), secondary storage, types of storage, their trade-offs.
3. Systems architecture, including embedded systems.
4. Computer networks, connections, and protocols.
5. Network security.
6. System software (operating systems, utility software).
7. Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental issues.

Paper/Component 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming (≈ 50%)

1. Algorithms: understanding, designing, analyzing (e.g. complexity)
2. Programming fundamentals: variables, data types, sequence, selection, iteration, operators.
3. Producing robust programs: error-handling, testing, debugging, and maintainability.
4. Boolean logic.
5. Programming languages & environments.

Typical GCSE ICT / Digital Information Technology Content

While pure ICT has been phased out in many specifications, there are equivalents / applied qualifications (e.g. Pearson’s Digital Information Technology, BTEC Tech Awards, etc.). The ICT-type courses cover things like:

• Using common software (office suites: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations)
• Website design, email & communications, networking basics for business
• Managing & manipulating data, finding & using digital information
• Digital safety, privacy, cyber security awareness
• Legal and ethical issues around ICT (copyright, data protection etc.)
• The impact of ICT on individuals, business and society

Structure & Assessment

Most GCSE Computer Science specifications have two exams (or two papers), each weighted around 50%. 

No coursework in many Computer Science specs (except project or coding tasks in some boards, but these are embedded in exams or assessed via programming in exam). It depends on board.

ICT / Digital IT subjects often include practical tasks/project work plus theory exam.