GCSE Computer Science
Why study GCSE Computer science?
Computers are changing every part of our lives at an ever-increasing rate – so if you are…
- A programming enthusiast
- A problem solver
- An independent learner or
- Logically minded then…
This course may be for you.
Computer science is a mix of both theoretical and practical elements. Students will understand the components that make up digital systems and how they communicate with one another and with other systems. They will apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. Students will understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society.
Students will apply their theoretical knowledge of computer systems and will analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs.
Students are given the opportunity to undertake a programming task which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language. These skills will be assessed during the written examinations.
Computer Science Options Information Video
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/computer-science-2020.html |
Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science (*Paper code: 1CP2/01) | ||
Content overview This paper will assess Topics 1 to 5.
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Assessment overview This paper consists of five compulsory questions, each one focused on one of the topic areas. The questions consist of multiple-choice, short-, medium- and extended-open response, tabular and diagrammatic items. |
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 75 marks |
Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking (*Paper code: 1CP2/02) |
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Content overview This paper will assess Topic 6: Problem solving with programming. The main focus of this paper is:
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Assessment overview This practical paper requires students to design, write, test and refine programs in order to solve problems. Students will complete this assessment onscreen using their Integrated Development Environment (IDE) of choice. They will be provided with:
Students should then answer the questions onscreen using Python 3. This assessment consists of six compulsory questions. |
Onscreen examination: 2 hours 50% of the qualification 75 marks |