International GCSE Computer Science
The International GCSE in Computer Science invites students to uncover the foundational elements of computing and digital technology. You will explore key concepts like abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. This course combines theory with practical experience, helping you solve computational problems and design, write, and debug programs. It encourages creative, analytical, and critical thinking. You’ll learn about digital systems, their components, communication methods, and the societal impact of digital technology. The course also integrates relevant mathematical skills necessary for computer science.
This qualification opens doors to the world of computer science, paving the way for further studies and careers in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and AI. For those curious about the digital landscape and keen on innovation, International GCSE Computer Science is the ideal course for discovery and growth.
Key Information
What you’ll study
Entry Requirements
Assessment Information
| Qualification | International GCSE Computer Science |
| Exam board | Edexcel |
| Exams available | June |
Online school, full time or individual courses
| Course length | 2 years |
| Weekly study time | 2 x 45-minute live lessons, 3 x 30-minute self-study lessons, 1 x 30-minute teacher-marked homework |
| Class size | Maximum 12 |
| Course start | September |
Individual Tutoring
| Recommended | Approximately 100 x 45-minute individual tutoring lessons, 170 x 30-minute self-study lessons, 45 x 30-minute teacher-marked homework. Pace and level of commitment determined by individual needs. |
| Course start | Flexible |
1. Problem solving
- Algorithms
- Decomposition and abstraction
2. Programming
- Develop code
- Constructs
- Data types and structures
- Input/output
- Operators
- Subprograms
3. Data
- Binary
- Data representation
- Data storage and compression
- Encryption
4. Computers
- Machines and computational modelling
- Hardware
- Logic
- Software
- Programming languages
5. Communication and the internet
- Networks
- Network security
- The internet and the world wide web
6. The bigger picture
- Emerging trends, issues and impact
For more information take a look at the Edexcel International GCSE Computer Science Specification: click here
- A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for Maths and English
International GCSE
| 2 exams | taken at the end of the course |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Principles of Computer Science (120 minutes) (50% of the total International GCSE) |
| Paper 2 | Application of Computational Thinking (120 minutes) (50% of the total International GCSE) |
Progression
Computer Science is one of our non-compulsory GCSE subjects. Pupils gaining a 7 or above in GCSE Computer Science will be eligible to study Computer Science at A level.
We also offer the following GCSEs
Our core GSCE subjects are taught in group classes via a combination of interactive self-study lessons and live lessons led by an expert teacher:
Additional GCSEs subjects are available via our tutoring programme, including: