Computer Science IGCSE (CIE Syllabus 0478 )

The Computer Science syllabus offers an exciting program of study containing a combination of theoretical and practical content. There is a high focus on developing computational thinking skills, students will learn how to break down and solve complex problems using VB.net as a main programming language. The ability to use computational thinking is an important life skill that will help in many aspects of day to day life.

Curriculum and Topics

The curriculum content is divided into two sections the first of which covers the theory of computer science and contains the following topics:

Data Representation, Data transmission, Hardware, Software, The internet and its uses, Automated and emerging technologies.

The second section covers the practical aspect of the program and contains the following topics:

Algorithm Design and Problem Solving , Programming and Databases and Boolean logic.

Main Aims

The aims of the Computer Science course are to enable students to develop:

 Computational thinking skills

 An understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers

 The skills necessary to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language

 An understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate

 An understanding of the internet as a means of communication and its associated risks

 An understanding of the development and use of automated and emerging technologies.

Scheme of Assessment

Assessment is made by two examinations at the end of Year 11 – there will be two written papers, a theory paper (50%) and Problem solving and programming paper 50%.

Understanding the key concepts of computer science is a valuable skill even for those who do not which to engage in a career directly in the field. Many universities now require an background knowledge of computer science if you are wishing to study any science, technology, engineering or maths subjects because programming will be required for the tools you will be using in your studies.