Exam Board: Edexcel
Syllabus Number: 1CP1
Overview
The course gives you a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. You will be familiar with the use of computers and other related technology from your other subjects and elsewhere. However, this course will give you an insight into what goes on in the hardware, including computer programming.
The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of Computer Science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for people who are qualified in this area. Students who have taken a GCSE in Computing and who then progress to study the subject at A Level or University will have an advantage over their colleagues who are picking up the subject at these levels.
The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming, giving you a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.
The course provides excellent preparation for students who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills.
What will I be studying?
Unit 1CP2/01
What algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work. Writing program code. Components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudo-code. Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web. Emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment.
Unit 1CP2/02
Applications of computational thinking, what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; writing program code. Binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1CP1/01 Principles of computer science. Written paper, 1 hour 40 minutes, 80 marks. 50% of total GCSE marks.
Unit 1CP1/02 Application of computational thinking. Online paper, 2 hours 50% of total GCSE marks.