Computer Science (GCSE)

Computer Science (GCSE)

Sixth Form Overview

Students aged 17-18 years old

Course Outline

The Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Computer Science consists of two externally-examined papers and a non-examined assessment component. Students must complete the non-examined component in March and all external assessments in May/June in any single year.

Topics Studied

  • Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms.
  •  Understand the requirements for writing program code.
  •  Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases.
  •  Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudo-code.
  •  Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web.
  •  Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.
  •  Understanding how to develop program code and constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms. This component may also draw on:
  •  Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases.
  •  Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudo-code.

How it’s assessed

Component 1 – Principles of Computer Science

Written examination: 1 hour and 40 minutes
40% of the qualification — 80 marks

Component 2 – Application of Computational Thinking

Written examination: 2 hours
40% of the qualification
80 marks

Component 3 - Project

Non-examined assessment: 20
hours
20% of the qualification — 60
marks

Why choose it?

Students are introduced to core principles of computer science and develop skills in problem solving and computational thinking.
This builds on skills learned in Key Stages 1 to 3 in Computer Science/IT while also ensuring that students new to the subject are
appropriately supported. Following on from more visual programming environments, programming skills are further developed using
high-level textual programming languages.

  • Exam Board EDEXCEL
  • Course Code 1CP1
  • AS ASSESSMENT EXTERNAL ASSIGNMENT (80%) & COURSEWORK (20%) (100%)
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