Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of how computers work. It looks at how information is stored as binary data and how a computer system operates on that data.

In Computer Science you will gain confidence in computational thinking and programming, an appreciation of automated and emerging technologies and the benefits of their use. You will develop an understanding of the main principles of problem-solving by creating computer-based solutions using algorithms and a high-level programming language.

You will also develop a range of technical skills including the ability to test effectively and to evaluate solutions.

The content of the course is outlined below:

• Data representation
• Data transmission
• Hardware
• Software
• The internet and its uses
• Automated and emerging technologies
• Algorithm design and problem-solving
• Programming
• Databases
• Boolean logic

There are two written exams at the end of the course.

• Paper 1 - (1 hour 45 minutes)
  This paper consists of short-answer and structured questions. It covers the first six topics in the list above.
• Paper 2 - (1 hour 45 minutes)
  This paper consists of short-answer and structured questions. It covers the last four topics identified in the list above. This paper also contains an unseen “scenario” type question which is expected to take around 30 minutes of the exam. Students will be expected to write an algorithm in pseudocode or program code to meet the needs of the scenario.

Computer Science IGCSE opens up a range of opportunities for further study of the subject, for example at A level or degree level.

Careers using Computer Science include computer programmer, hardware or software engineer, systems or security analyst, data scientist, game or other software developer and many more.