The Avon Valley School & Performing Arts College
GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE
A
The course can only be studied by able mathematicians.
This Edexcel GCSE in Computer Science equips learners with a knowledge and understanding of
the fundamental principles and concepts of the subject, including the computational thinking skills to
analyse problems and design solutions across a range of contexts. Students will develop
knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science:
Develop and apply computational thinking skills to analyse problems and design solutions
across a range of contexts
Gain practical experience of designing, writing, and testing computer programs that
accomplish specific goals
Develop the ability to reason, explain and evaluate computing solutions
Develop awareness of current and emerging trends in computing technologies
Develop awareness of the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment,
including ethical, legal and ownership issues; communicate computer science concepts and
explain computational solutions clearly and concisely using appropriate terminology.
The subject content is divided into six topics:
1. Problem solving
2. Programming
3. Data
4. Computers
5. Communication and the Internet
6. The bigger picture
Assessment
Component
Title
Overview
Summary of Assessment
Component 1 (40%)
1 hour and 40 minutes
externally assessed exam Principles of Computer
Science All topics Examination: multiple choice, short-
open, extended-open and open
response questions
Component 2 (40%)
2 hours
externally assessed exam Application of
Computational Thinking Focuses mainly on Topics 1
and 2, but may also draw
on content from the other
four topics Scenario-based examination: short,
extended and open response
questions
Programming Project A program that is designed,
implemented, tested, plus a
written report Non-examined Assessment: A levels-
based mark scheme, with separate
grids for each of the four stages of
development
Component 3 (20%)
20 hours
Programming Task
Contact Staff: Mrs Nsong or Mr Hawkins
13