GCSE Computer Science

Note: This course is only available to students on the EBACC pathway.

The Edexcel GCSE in Computer Science is an essential course for anyone who wants to understand the enormous importance of computing in the world, today and in the future. You will gain an understanding of some of the most important concepts in the modern world, including algorithms, data handling, cyber security and systems architecture, as well as developing computer programming and problem-solving skills.

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

  • Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically

  • Decompose and analyse problems

  • Read, write, refine and evaluate programs

  • Apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science

  • Understand hardware and software components of computer systems

  • Understand computer networks and network security

  • Consider the impact of computing on society


CONTENT

  • 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; ability to decompose and analyse problems.

  • Data – understanding of binary, data representation, data storage and compression.

  • Computers – understanding of hardware and software components of computer systems and characteristics of programming languages.

  • Networks – understanding of computer networks and network security.

  • 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.

  • Problem solving with programming – ability to read, write, refine and evaluate programs


ASSESSMENT​​​​​​​

Written examination: Principles of Computer Science

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes

  • 75 marks (50% of the qualification)

On-screen examination: Application of Computational Thinking

  • 2 hours

  • 75 marks (50%)


PROGRESSION AT POST-16 & BEYOND

Students can progress onto A Levels or BTEC National courses in Computer Science or IT, both of which are available at RR6. The concepts learned are also useful in subjects such as maths, science and engineering.