Computer Science Paper 2 is primarily designed to test programming ability - yet in practice, it focusses on testing a student’s ability to interpret and manipulate the Exam Reference Language (ERL) - an artificial, non-standardised, "fake" code recognised only by exam boards. The language has no practical use beyond the examination itself and will not help the student (in the slightest) in the future. Because ERL is included, students must divide their attention between their primary programming language and this exam-specific construct. This division may reduce their fluency and discourage mastery of programming skills that are applicable beyond school, in their future careers and/or further levels of education.

Coding is something you'd associate with a computer, right? When you imagine someone coding, do you imagine someone huddled over a blank A4 page, or a program ran on a screen? Our paper 2 is on paper and pen. As a result, it becomes outdated, inaccessible and constricted to the limits of a paper and pen. To effectively test a student's ability to code, students should be able to code on what is most comfortable to them - the choice between a keyboard or pen.

For years, many students have faltered on paper 2 - not because of a lack of knowledge, or a disagreement in logical reasoning. They faltered as a result of the deceitful wording of the OCR exam board, who are strategically weakening exam grades through intentional misguided questions. This is a campaign for change, to change paper 2 so it becomes more accessible, tests students' ability more accurately, and more effective.

Signing this petition will encourage OCR to implement new accessibility improvements, allowing for easier, more fluent and accurate examinations in the future, bettering future generations.

Poll tied to this petition:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/pqM1nH3MdG
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd5V7gpvRP_2F8G98M9UBQtCsb1MbpZolNl8lkh0CAmkeMXA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

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