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International Home Study

IGCSE Computer Science

Our IGCSE Computer Science qualification will help you to understand academic principles in computer science. This will allow you to solve technical issues using computational thinking.

You will also learn Python which is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose programming language.

igcse-computer-science-course

Enrolment Fee:

£395.00

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Description

This IGCSE Computer Science Distance Learning Online Course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of this subject. Learners will apply their new found knowledge to develop computer based solutions to problems using algorithms and high-level programming language. You will also find this course extremely valuable if you are looking for a progression route for further training whilst employed.

Support

The course will be delivered online including Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional Tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you'll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to the Student Support Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

Assessment

The course contains a number of assignments which your tutor will mark and give you valuable feedback on. You will also have access to a range of online resources.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at an approved centre when an examination forms part of the course. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Differences between Cambridge and Edexcel Exam boards.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs are international qualifications. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full International GCSE qualifications.

Fees

Course fees for payment in full include:

  • Assessment and feedback on all assignments.
  • Access to your personal Tutor via our online portal.
  • Access to a range of online resources, student materials, assessments, assignments, eBooks etc
  • Practice exam papers to prepare you for the real thing.
  • Tutor references and predicted grades once a satisfactory amount of work has been completed.
  • Help finding an exam centre for you to sit your exam

Cambridge (2022)

Cambridge Course Code(s):

IGCSE Computer Science (9-1): 0984

IGCSE Computer Science: 0478

(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications, there only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams. 0984 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest while 0478 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.)

Cambridge Exams: June & November

Cambridge Study Hours: 130 Hours


Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners develop an interest in computational thinking and an understanding of the principles of problem-solving using computers. They apply this understanding to create computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. Learners also develop a range of technical skills, and the ability to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions.

Studying Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science helps learners appreciate current and emerging computing technologies, the benefits of their use and recognise their potential risks. It provides an ideal foundation for progression to Cambridge International AS & A Level and is valuable for other areas of study and everyday life.

Specification for 2022 Modules

Section 1 Theory of computer science

Data representation

  • Binary systems
  • Hexadecimal
  • Data storage

Communication and Internet technologies

  • Data transmission
  • Security aspects
  • Internet principles of operation

Hardware and software

  • Logic gates
  • Computer architecture and the fetch-execute cycle
  • Input devices
  • Output devices
  • Memory, storage devices and media
  • Operating systems
  • High- and low-level languages and their translators

Security

Ethics

Section 2 Practical problem- solving and programming

Algorithm design and problem solving

  • Problem solving and design
  • Pseudocode and flowcharts

Programming

  • Programming concepts
  • Data structures: arrays

Databases

  • Define a single-table database from given data storage requirements
  • Choose and specify suitable data types
  • Choose a suitable primary key for a database table
  • Perform a query-by-example from given search criteria

Exam Papers:

Paper 1: Theory

Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and October

Assessment overview: Short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on section 1 of the subject content

75 marks

60% of grade

Paper 2: Problem- solving and programming

Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Availability: June and October

Assessment overview: Short-answer and structured questions. Questions will be based on section 2 of the subject content

50 marks

40% of grade

Please note that pre-release material is available for Paper 2 Problem-solving and Programming. This will be provided from the examination centre before the exams.

It is also reproduced in the question paper. Candidates must not bring any prepared material into the examination.

Edexcel

Edexcel Course Code(s): 4CP0

Edexcel Exams: June

Edexcel Study Hours: 130 hours


This IGCSE Computer Science Edexcel Course will help you to understand and apply fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. You will be able to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. You will also gain an understanding of the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society. For this specification, grades 9-1 are available.

Edexcel Modules

Problem solving

  • Algorithms
  • Decomposition and abstraction

Programming

  • Develop code
  • Constructs
  • Data types and structures
  • Input/ output
  • Operators
  • Subprograms

Data

  • Binary
  • Data representation
  • Data storage and compression
  • Encryption

Computers

  • Machines and computational modelling
  • Hardware
  • Logic
  • Software
  • Programming languages

Communication and the internet

  • Networks
  • Network security
  • The internet and the world wide web

The bigger picture

  • Emerging trends, issues and impact

Exam Papers

Paper 1:Principles of Computer Science

Written examination: 2 hours

Availability: June only

Assessment overview: The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response and extended open-response answer questions on all the topics.

80 marks

50% of the total international GCSE

Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking

Practical examination: 3 hours

Availability: June only

Assessment overview: The paper consists of multiple-choice, short open-response, open-response, extended- open response answer and task-based questions on the programming Language – Python

80 marks

50% of the total International GCSE

 

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will be asked to fill in an enrolment form. On the form it will ask when you wish to complete by, so we can ensure you are supported right up to when you take your exams.

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

All of our IGCSEs are available world wide. Meaning you can study with us from anywhere.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help finding a centre, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 120 and 130 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

With online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs are international qualifications. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full International GCSE qualifications.

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. IGCSE qualifications are recognised by universities employers, colleges and sixth form colleges, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your IGCSEs in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, transcripts, certificate of graduation, and references for further education applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade.