Nature of the Subject

IGCSE Computer Science aims to develop:

Computational thinking, thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes consideration of the data required

Understanding the main principles of solving problems by using computers

Understanding every computer system is made up of sub-systems, which in turn consist of further sub-systems

Understanding the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communications and people

Skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based problems using a high-level programming language.

Syllabus & Content

Section 1 Theory of Computer Science

1.1 Data representation, Binary and Hexadecimal, Data storage

1.2 Communication and internet technologies, Data transmission, Security, The internet and networking - principles of operation

1.3 Hardware and software, Logic gates, Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle, Input and Output devices, Memory, storage devices and media, Operating Systems, High- and low-level languages 

1.4 Security, Methods of keeping Computers and data safe, Keeping safe online

1.5 Ethics,

Section 2 Practical Problem-solving and Programming

2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving

2.1.2 Pseudocode and flowcharts

2.2 Programming

2.3 Databases

2.4 Boolean logic

Assessment

Students take two papers ; 

Paper 1 is 60% of the total mark which covers the Theory of Computer Science. 

Paper 2 is 40% of the total score and covers 

Problem-solving and Programming

Teacher Introduction

Computer Science, like mathematics, underpins a huge range of subjects, and has concepts and ways of working that do not change quickly over time, including programming, algorithms and data structures. 

A key skill that is developed is ‘computational thinking’ which offers insightful ways to view how information operates in many natural and engineered systems. Another core skill in Computer Science is computer programming which while seeming esoteric, is the closest that a student can come to thinking about thinking. It develops logic, rigour and problem solving.

Studying Computer Science empowers students to solve complex, challenging problems, enabling them to make a positive difference in the world.

Computing jobs often come with high salaries.

Computing skills are essential in a wide range of professions, from astronomy to financial analysis – not just in IT related jobs!

There are many opportunities for travel and/or remote working for people with high-level computing skills.

Studying Computer Science can significantly improve performance in other academic subjects.

The future possibilities for people with Computer Science skills are unlimited, and these skills are only going to become more important because Computers are everywhere so understanding them puts students in charge of their world.