IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (9-1) EDEXCEL

This qualification provides students with the opportunity of operating confidently in today’s digital world. It is a useful, practical qualification which will provide skills needed in further education and work.

You will learn about topics such as:

Topic 1: Problem solving including algorithms

Topic 2: Programming in Python

Topic 3: Data types, representation and storage

Topic 4: Computer hardware and logic

Topic 5: Communication, networks and the internet

Topic 6: Emerging trends, issues and impact

• You will gain extensive skills in programming and algorithm development
• You will understand the operation of computer hardware at a fundamental level
• You will be able to use a variety of data types
• Provide a solid base for study at higher education level.

This course is divided into the following:

Students study all of the following topics:

• Topic 1: Problem solving
• Topic 2: Programming
• Topic 3: Data
• Topic 4: Computers
• Topic 5: Communication and the internet
• Topic 6: The bigger picture

The IGCSE computer science qualification is gained once all the exam papers are successfully completed.  These exams are administered by Edexcel and assessment centre details will be included with your course, as well as practice papers so that you are more than prepared for your assessments. You will need to contact your local examination centre to work through your coursework requirements.

In addition, there will be a number of tutor marked assessments (TMAs) to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the course materials, with the tutor sending comments to guide you through any areas of potential difficulty, as well as a range of self-assessments that are indicators that you understand the materials as you work through them. These are for your own information, and do not need to be shown to your course tutor.

Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science  – Paper code 4CP0/01

• Externally assessed
• Availability: June
• 50% of the total International GCSE

Content summary

This paper will primarily assess knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of computer science, including some coverage of how these principles are applied when solving problems that relate to a particular situation.
This paper will assess all topics.

• Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work;
• ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms.
• Understanding the requirements for writing program code.
• Understanding how to develop program code and constructs, data types, structures,
  input/output, operators and subprograms.
• Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, and encryption.
• Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables,
  produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudocode.
• Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the world wide web.
• Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.
  Assessment
• Assessment is through a 2-hour examination paper set and marked by Pearson.
• The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response and extended open-response answer questions.
• The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.
• All questions are mandatory.
  

  Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking *Paper code 4CP0/02

• Externally assessed
• Availability: June
• 50% of the total International GCSE

  Content summary

  This paper will primarily assess the practical application of computational thinking, whereby learners will create, use and adapt existing algorithms to solve problems in a particular situation. This paper will also test students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics. This paper will draw on:

• understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work;
• ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms
• developing and testing program code and constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms
• connecting and using data sources when developing program code
• understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, and encryption
• ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudocode.
  Assessment
• Assessment is through a 3-hour practical examination, set and marked by Pearson.
• A choice of three programming languages will be available (Python, C# or Java).
• The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response, extended open response answer and task-based questions.
• The task-based questions will be carried out using a computer system under supervision. All other questions requiring a written response will be answered in the paper.
• The total number of marks available for the examination paper is 80.
• All questions are mandatory.
• A pseudocode reference document will be available for learners to reference during the
  assessment.

Online

The course is primarily an online course using a Learning Management System (LMS).

The online course has many features that cannot be printed such as embedded videos, forums and interactive tests.

The course includes Tutor Marked Assessments which you access and submit through the online system.

Our IGCSE courses come with tutor feedback and support by email for 12 months. They will mark your TMAs and provide valuable guidance through any trickier parts of the course whenever you need it. You will also receive a study guide to help you with all aspects of studying, essay writing and general student skills.