Description
Our Online IGCSE Computer Science course is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge for the digital age. The programme focuses on developing computational thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling students to design and implement computer-based solutions using algorithms and various programming languages. This comprehensive Computer Science IGCSE Online Course covers a range of core topics such as Information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling.
Moreover, the course delves into the ethical considerations associated with current and emerging computing technologies. Our IGCSE Computer Science Online Course enables students not only to be proficient coders but also responsible digital citizens who can appreciate and navigate the complexities of ethics in modern computing.
Homework, Assessment and Reporting
Students enrolled in our IGCSE Computer Science Online Course are subject to the same academic expectations as those in our general Upper School. Specifically, students are expected to complete at least one piece of homework per subject each fortnight at Level 3 and each week at Level 4. To ensure success in the programme, students are advised to revise their notes and consolidate their learning after each lesson. The creation of comprehensive revision cards and topic-specific notes is crucial for optimal preparation for the final exams at the end of this two-year Online IGCSE Computer Science course.
Assessment frameworks include Level 3 internal assessments in June and Level 4 internal mock assessments in November and March. Report cards are issued at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms for Level 3, and after mock assessments in the Autumn and Spring terms for Level 4. These reports provide grades for attainment and effort in each subject, along with written feedback from Success Coaches and the Head Teacher.
To facilitate continuous dialogue and tracking of student progress throughout the academic year, parents are encouraged to use their family Teams account. This approach offers a more granular and consistent understanding of the student’s academic performance, an advantage that surpasses the insights gained from a single annual parent consultation evening.
Click here to see this year’s Assessment and Reporting schedule
1. Theory fundamentals
1.1 Information representation
1.1.1 Number representation
1.1.2 Images
1.1.3 Sound
1.1.4 Video
1.1.5 Compression techniques
1.2 Communication and Internet technologies
1.2.1 Networks
1.2.2 IP addressing
1.2.3 Client- and server-side scripting
1.3 Hardware
1.3.1 Input, output and storage devices
1.3.2 Main memory
1.3.3 Logic gates and logic circuits
1.4 Processor fundamentals
1.4.1 CPU architecture
1.4.2 The fetch-execute cycle
1.4.3 The processor’s instruction set
1.4.4 Assembly language
1.5 System software
1.5.1 Operating system
1.5.2 Utility programs
1.5.3 Library programs
1.5.4 Language translators
1.6 Security, privacy and data integrity
1.6.1 Data security
1.6.2 Data integrity
1.7 Ethics and ownership
1.7.1 Ethics
1.7.2 Ownership
1.8 Database and data modelling
1.8.1 Database Management Systems (DBMS)
1.8.2 Relational database modelling
1.8.3 Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
2. Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming
2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving
2.1.1 Algorithms
2.1.2 Structure chart
2.1.3 Corrective maintenance
2.1.4 Adaptive maintenance
2.2 Data representation
2.2.1 Data types
2.2.2 Arrays
2.2.3 Files
2.3 Programming
2.3.1 Programming basics
2.3.2 Transferable skills
2.3.3 Selection
2.3.4 Iteration
2.3.5 Built-in functions
2.3.6 Structured programming
2.4 Software development
2.4.1 Programming
2.4.2 Program testing
2.4.3 Testing strategies
3. Advanced Theory
3.1 Data representation
3.1.1 User-defined data types
3.1.2 File organisation and access
3.1.3 Real numbers and normalised floating-point representation
3.2 Communication and Internet technologies
3.2.1 Protocols
3.2.2 Circuit switching, packet switching and routers
3.2.3 Local Area Networks (LAN)
3.3 Hardware
3.3.1 Logic gates and circuit design
3.3.2 Boolean algebra
3.3.3 Karnaugh Maps
3.3.4 Flip-flops
3.3.5 RISC processors
3.3.6 Parallel processing
3.4 System software
3.4.1 Purposes of an operating system (OS)
3.4.2 Virtual machine
3.4.3 Translation software
3.5 Security
3.5.1 Asymmetric keys and encryption methods
3.5.2 Digital signatures and digital certificates
3.5.3 Encryption protocols
3.5.4 Malware
3.6 Monitoring and control systems
3.6.1 Overview of monitoring and control systems
3.6.2 Bit manipulation to monitor and control device
Computer, broadband internet connection
If you are intending to study A Level Computer Science, we recommend that you spend some time in the summer holidays preparing.
Work through the Java Script tutorials on W3 Schools: JavaScript Tutorial
What is covered in the online IGCSE Computer Science course?
The online IGCSE Computer Science course is designed to enhance your computational thinking and problem-solving skills. It delves into algorithms, programming languages, and also covers ethical issues concerning current and emerging technologies. You’ll learn about hardware, software development, and relational database modelling among other key topics.
What are the assessment methods for the online IGCSE Computer Science class?
For Upper School students, assessments include internal tests in June for Level 3 and mock assessments in November and March for Level 4. Students will receive reports at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms for Level 3, and after the mock assessments for Level 4. These reports include grades for effort and attainment in each subject, along with comments from the teachers.
How is homework handled in the online IGCSE Computer Science course?
In Level 3, students are expected to complete at least one homework assignment per fortnight for each subject. In Level 4, the frequency increases to one assignment per week. Besides homework, students are encouraged to revise and make notes to consolidate their learning.
What are the key topics taught in Computer Science IGCSE online?
The course is divided into three main sections: Theory Fundamentals, Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming, and Advanced Theory. These sections cover a broad range of topics such as data representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, and ethics among others.
How can parents monitor the progress of students in Computer Science IGCSE online?
Parents can use the family Teams account to maintain regular communication with teachers. This enables more detailed tracking of a student’s progress throughout the year, beyond what is possible through an annual parent consultation evening.
The Teachers
Computer Science at Cambridge Home School Online is taught by Mr Evans and Mr Descombe. Click on the names below to find out more about our Computer Science teachers.