GCSE Computer Science

Aims of the course

The skills and knowledge developed through this qualification help students to:

● Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation.

● Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.

● Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.

● Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems.

● Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.

● Apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.

Details of what the course involves

This GCSE will develop your ability to apply ‘computational thinking’ skills in a particular context. The Edexcel GCSE Computer Science specification enables students to apply computational thinking in context, across both examined and non-examined assessments. You will learn to think computationally, within the context of a single scenario, and prepare you for real-world computer challenges. Computational thinking is integrated throughout the content to embed this essential approach to the subject. There are six topics which cover the following areas:

1. Computational thinking - understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to follow, amend and write algorithms; ability to construct truth tables.

2. Data - understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression.

3. Computers - understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.

4. Networks - understanding of computer networks and network security.

5. Issues and impact - awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, and the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.

6. Problem solving with programming.

How will the course be examined?

Component 1: Principles of Computer Science. Written examination covering topics 1 to 5, this paper accounts for 50% of the qualification and consists of multiple choice, short and extended open response questions.

Component 2: Application of Computational Thinking. An onscreen examination focused on topic 6, this is a practical paper that requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems. This accounts for 50% of the qualification.