Computer Science

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is the study of the foundational principles and practices of computation and computational thinking and their application in the design and development of computer systems. Learning computational thinking involves learning to program, that is to write computer code, because this is the means by which computational thinking is expressed. 

Why study Computer Science?

Through its Computing and Computer Science curricula St Julians School recognises that "Coding is the literacy of today and it helps practice 21st century skills such as problem-solving, team work and analytical thinking" (EU Digital Single Market, 2016).  Computer Science  offers the key 21st century skills of creativity, problem solving,  collaboration, communication, critical thinking  and innovation.  Computing occupations are the primary source of new wages in America (that's 16% of all new wages).  This course will offer students key skills to take forward whatever choices they make in the future. 

Programming languages

Whilst the examinations are language agnostic (they require students to demonstrate their skills with flowcharts and pseudocode) it is required to provide a practical programming experience for the course. Our students are taught how to program in Python.  We chose Python because it offers an easy to understand syntax, simple setup, and has many practical applications and libraries.

Further Study in the IB

Computer Science (HL and SL) is offered as part of the IB programme at St Julians. The IGCSE offers a fantastic introduction to the IB course and would put students at a distinct advantage at the beginning of the course. 

Study of this course is not a prerequisite for studying IB Computer Science. 

The course we use is the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0984). 

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims 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.

The programme of study will vary from year to year as term dates move around.  

During the course Computer Systems is run alongside the Algorithms, programming and logic sections. 

The content of each of the sections is seen below. 

Computer systems

1 Data representation

2 Data transmission

3 Hardware

4 Software

5 The internet and its uses

6 Automated and emerging technologies

Algorithms, programming and logic

7 Algorithm design and problem-solving

8 Programming

9 Databases

10 Boolean logic

Tests are conducted at the end of each unit of the theory section. 

Key competencies are mapped and students are supported with clinics to help develop competence of completed units. 

There are examinations at the end of Year 10 and trial examinations take place in January in Year 11. 

There is no coursework in this subject. 

There are two examination papers at the end of the course which are outlined below. 

Paper 1  (1 hour 45 minutes)

Computer Systems 50%

75 marks

Short-answer and structured questions

Questions will be based on Topics 1–6 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes)

Algorithms, Programming and Logic 50%

75 marks

Short-answer and structured questions and a scenario-based question

Questions will be based on Topics 7–10 of the subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science textbook

Coding Club - Python

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science textbook

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science: Programming Book for Python

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science: Revision Guide

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