Module 1: Fundamentals of Algorithms
- Understanding algorithms and their purpose
- Flowcharts and pseudocode
- Searching algorithms (linear, binary)
- Sorting algorithms (bubble, merge, insertion)
- Efficiency and complexity
Module 2: Programming
- Programming basics: variables, constants, data types
- Input/output operations
- Arithmetic and Boolean operations
- Control structures: selection, iteration (count-controlled, condition-controlled)
- Functions and procedures
- Error handling and debugging
- Writing, testing, and refining code (Python recommended)
Module 3: Fundamentals of Data Representation
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems
- Units of data (bit, byte, kilobyte, etc.)
- Character encoding (ASCII, Unicode)
- Binary arithmetic
- Representing images and sound
- Data compression techniques
Module 4: Computer Systems
- System architecture: CPU, memory, storage
- Embedded systems and cloud computing
- Software types: system vs application
- Programming languages and translators
- Boolean logic and truth tables
Module 5: Fundamentals of Computer Networks
- Types of networks: LAN, WAN
- Network topologies
- Protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP)
- Network security and performance
- The Internet and the World Wide Web
Module 6: Cyber Security (3.6)
- Threats: malware, phishing, social engineering
- Prevention methods: firewalls, anti-virus, encryption
- Ethical hacking and penetration testing
- Legislation related to cyber security
Module 7: Databases and SQL (3.7)
- Relational databases: tables, records, fields
- SQL commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Querying and filtering data
- Data validation and integrity
Module 8: Ethical, Legal & Environmental Impacts
- Privacy and data protection
- Intellectual property and copyright
- Environmental concerns: e-waste, energy consumption
- Social impacts of technology
- Legal frameworks: Computer Misuse Act, GDPR
Paper 1: Computational Thinking and Programming Skills
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weight: 50% of GCSE
- Covers: Modules 1 & 2
Paper 2: Computing Concepts
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Weight: 50% of GCSE
- Covers: Modules 3 to 7
The Computer Science open education syllabus, is suitable for self-study or classroom use.