Computer Science (GCSE)

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%)

Computer Science (GCSE)

Computer Science (GCSE)

Sixth Form Overview

Sixth Form Curriculum

Secondary Teachers

Course Outline

Topics Studied

How it’s assessed

Component 1 – Principles of Computer Science

Component 2 – Application of Computational Thinking

Component 3 - Project

Why choose it?

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