Pearson Edexcel

GCSE (9–1)

Computer
Science 2020
Develop skills for the future with
our exciting, practical focus on
real life programming!
 Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)

Computer Science
This brochure will guide you through our Pearson Edexcel
GCSE (9-1) Computer Science qualification from 2020. As
both an awarding body and a publisher, we’ll outline how our
specification will inspire and engage your students, address
changes to the qualification and also showcase the high quality
support you can expect.

Our up-to-date qualification reflects the fast-changing world of Computer

Science - with innovative, future looking onscreen practical assessments to
ensure all students develop the computational skills they need for an exciting
future beyond the classroom.

Our qualification:

has up-to-date, practical on screen assessments, engaging and

accessible for everyone......................................................................page 4

features rich, future-facing, engaging content ....................................page 6

unbeatable and expert support every step of the way.........................page 8

Our Computer Science GCSE will see paper 2 taken

onscreen, a practical onscreen assessment reflecting
real-life programming in the modern world.

2
Teaching Computer
Science for the future
It’s shaped by you, for your students. That is why we’ve developed our GCSE
Computer Science 2020 in collaboration with teachers and the computer science
community, to create an engaging qualification that equips students with the
knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the fast-changing world of Computer Science.

The future of Computer Science is here. Which is why, our qualification, the first
of its kind, provides a practical approach to developing computational skills. This
includes innovative, practical onscreen assessment to ensure all students develop the
computational skills they need for an exciting digital future beyond the classroom.

The practical onscreen assessment approach will prepare students well

for eventual employment because it gives an opportunity for the learner
to be assessed on writing, testing, and refining programs in an IDE using
Python 3. Being given two hours to complete a task also relates well to
the real life time constraints experienced by many Computer Scientists.
Matt Hogan, Learning Manger (Secondary) at Raspberry Pi

Can I thank/congratulate you on all producing three full sets of spec papers
in addition to the public exemplar assessmment questions - that is really
fantastic effort and makes such a difference when teaching a new spec. The
fact that we can engage with this level of feedback/discussion in advance of
the first set of public assessment is testament to the superb resourcing that
has gone into making this exciting practical launch a success!
Paul Baker, Head of Computing & Digital Strategy, The Perse School

3
 Assessment Overview

Paper 1
Principles of Computer Science
Paper code: 1CP2/01

75 marks Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

50% of the qualification

Content overview
This paper will assess Topics 1 to 5.

 Computational thinking  Computers - understanding of

- understanding of what hardware and software components of
algorithms are, what they are computer systems and characteristics of
used for and how they work; programming languages.
ability to follow, amend and
 Networks - understanding of computer
write algorithms; ability to
networks and network security.
construct truth tables.
 Issues and impact - awareness
 Data - understanding of of emerging trends in computing
binary, data representation,
technologies, and the impact of
data storage and compression.
computing on individuals, society and the
environment, including ethical, legal and
ownership issues.

Assessment overview
This paper consists of five compulsory questions, each one focused on one of
the topic areas. The questions consist of multiple-choice, short-, medium- and
extended-open-response, tabular and diagrammatic items.

4
 Paper 2
Application of Computational Thinking
Paper code: 1CP2/02

75 marks Practical onscreen examination: 2 hours

50% of the qualification

Content overview
This paper will assess Topic 6: Problem solving with programming.

The main focus of this paper is:

 understanding what algorithms are,  understanding how to decompose and
what they are used for and how analyse problems
they work in relation to creating
 ability to read, write, refine and evaluate
programs
programs.

Assessment overview
This paper is practical in nature and requires students to design, write, test and
refine programs in order to solve problems.
Students will complete this assessment onscreen using their Integrated
Development Environment (IDE) of choice.
They will be provided with:

 coding files  Programming Language Subset (PLS)

 a hard copy of the question paper – as an insert in the question paper
and an electronic version

Students should then answer the six compulsory questions onscreen using Python 3.

5
 New onscreen assessment
Our approach of assessing programming practically via our new onscreen assessment
allows schools to choose which Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to
use. Students are then able to complete activities using their IDE of choice, so they’re
programming in a familiar environment - without the need for internet access.

Our assessments are designed with an underpinning pedagogical approach derived

from NCCE Hubs, and ensure real-world programming skills are assessed via a realistic,
practical and engaging assessment experience.

We’ve chosen python as a vehicle to facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment for
all students to get the best possible experience.

6
 Any questions
about how this will work
in practice?
Please take a look at our online
FAQ document or get in touch.
quals.pearson.com/
ComputerScienceGuide

7
 Clear and simple structure
Our new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science qualification has a
written and a practical element. This balance provides students with a rounded
experience of computer science in comparison with a traditional paper based
exam that relies on students reading and writing pseudocode. Our new onscreen
assessment will give them a more practical and engaging assessment experience
that can be transferred into real world skills.

© kantver/123RF

8
Our qualification:
Has a straightforward structure. There are six comprehensive topic areas,
assessed through two externally-examined papers.

The written paper focuses on: The practical onscreen

computational thinking assessment focuses on:
data The ability to analyse
computers and solve problems by
networks designing, writing testing
the impact and issues of and refining programs in
computing in the world today. a real world setting.

Has equally weighted papers. The balance of theory and practical

assessment are equally weighted, with a total assessment time of 3hrs 30 mins
and a total of 150 marks (75 marks per paper).

Has a reduced number of command words. This will help students to better
understand how they should respond to each question. We have identified
specific command words for each paper and we won’t stray from these.

Provides a clear and easily applied mark scheme outlining exactly what
students need to evidence.

Paper 2 doesn’t require an internet connection. The data files,

Programming Language Subset (PLS) and the question paper can be
downloaded on the morning of the exam. We have at least three channels
prepped and ready to go to ensure that this works smoothly:

secure download from our website

secure download via Edexcel Online;

and, as a final resort the question paper delivery team are ready to secure
file transfer on request.

9
 Unbeatable and expert
support every step of
the way
On our website, you'll find a range of teaching and learning material to help you
prepare for this new qualification and assessment style, including:

three sets of samples papers that will be ready long before the first live
assessment, as we know how important it is that your students are prepared
and familiar with the assessments before they sit their exam

a Getting Started Guide, providing additional guidance that clarifies what

needs to be covered for each topic area

a new interactive scheme of work

lesson plans, activities and solutions

a series of short videos that talk about the paper 2 assessment talking about
the logistics of the exam and going through each question and mark scheme
in details.

Mocks Marking Training event.

Turn over to discover more about our free support for

planning, delivering, teaching and assessing Pearson
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science.

10
© kantver/123RF

11
 Learn more about
our partnerships
quals.pearson.com/
ComputerScienceGuide
The Interactive Scheme of Work
Specially designed resources aligned to the specification,
bringing Computer Science to life with real-world examples,
and providing support for the new practical on-screen assessment.

Our brand new interactive scheme of work (iSOW) supports the new practical
approach and assessment requirements of GCSE Computer Science and:

recommends a practical teaching route and can be customised as much

or as little as you want to support your level of specialism

will save you time and effort in identifying the best resources, where best
to use them in the classroom and how to get the most impact from them

includes:

lesson plans, practical activities and solutions that have been written for the
specification

a wealth of resources to support teaching Python that have been

designed for you and for your students

specific links to high quality resources from leading pedagogical and industry
organisations in Computer Science that have been chosen to support our
new qualification’s practical approach including NCCE’s resource PG Online,
Microsoft’s MakeCode, Craig'n'Dave's YouTube resources and many more.

The Student Book

Our brand new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1)

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science 2.0

Computer Science Student Book follows the

Series Editor: Lorem ipsom

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do ActiveLearn Digital Service

practical teaching and learning approach of the

eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae Our online ActiveLearn Digital Service,
sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus. Malesuada powered by ActiveTeach provides a wealth
fames ac turpis egestas sed tempus urna et pharetra. Commodo quis of teaching, planning and assessment
imperdiet massa tincidunt nunc pulvinar. Sollicitudin nibh sit amet support.
commodo nulla facilisi nullam vehicula ipsum. Faucibus et molestie
ISBN: 9781292120607

interactive scheme of work and provides all of the

ac feugiat sed lectus vestibulum mattis. Diam in arcu cursus euismod
quis viverra nibh. Pharetra magna ac placerat vestibulum lectus
mauris ultrices. Pellentesque sit amet porttitor eget dolor morbi non
arcu risus. Aliquam faucibus purus in massa tempor nec feugiat nisl Revise series
pretium. Gravida quis blandit turpis cursus in hac habitasse. Vel risus

content, activities and exam support that you need to

commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis. Id faucibus
nisl tincidunt eget nullam non nisi est sit. Molestie a iaculis at erat
pellentesque adipiscing commodo elit. Vivamus at augue eget arcu
dictum varius duis at consectetur.

deliver the specification. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat. Nunc sed blandit
libero volutpat sed. Suspendisse faucibus interdum posuere lorem
ipsum dolor. Elementum sagittis vitae et leo duis. Egestas congue
quisque egestas diam in arcu. Nascetur ridiculus mus mauris vitae Foundation: Foundation:
ultricies leo integer. Lorem donec massa sapien faucibus et molestie. 9781292131597 9781292131559
Id leo in vitae turpis massa sed. Vitae auctor eu augue ut lectus arcu. Higher: Higher:
Ridiculus mus mauris vitae ultricies leo integer malesuada nunc vel. 9781292131634 9781292131580

An ActiveBook (eBook) version of the

Metus vulputate eu scelerisque felis imperdiet proin fermentum leo
vel. Varius duis at consectetur lorem donec massa sapien faucibus et.
Prepare for GCSE from Year 7
with Exploring Science

Student Book is available for schools and Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1)
colleges, with multiple user licenses to provide
The front cover shows Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit,
sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Vitae www.pearsonschools.co.uk/KS3ES
Computer Science
flexibility in the way you teach.
sapien pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus.
Series Editor: Anne Weidmann Authors: Cynthia Selby Anne Weidmann David Waller

www.pearsonschools.co.uk
myorders@pearson.com

Take a look and download sample copies online

CVR_GCSE_CS_SB_CVR_v3.indd 1 01/04/2020 15:19

pearsonschools.co.uk/CSResources

12
 Case studies of
Computer Science Only the essential
in Action help to content has been
make the content included and the Packed with practical
more relevant and material has been activities to support the
inspiring to all of simplified to make it as practical approach of the
your students. accessible as possible. Edexcel specification.

Computational thinking Computational thinking

Computer Science in action: Chess algorithms PRIMM Activity

Algorithms for playing chess are used widely. After four moves by each opponent, there are This activity uses the code shown here. Use it for each of the steps shown.
over 288 billion possible further moves – far too many for a human to consider, but within 1 # -----------------------------------------------
the range of computers. This is what makes it possible for a top-level computer program to 2 # Global variables
defeat a chess grandmaster.

S
3 # -----------------------------------------------
4 b = 22
5 h = 44
Program code
F

F
Key terms 6 a = 0
In addition to flowcharts and written descriptions, algorithms can also be 7
Program code: the expressed in program code. Both flowcharts and written descriptions can
implementation of an algorithm, 8 # -----------------------------------------------
be translated into programming languages.
O

O
in a human-readable form, that 9 # Main program
can be translated to a form that There are steps to follow that will help produce programs that execute on 10 # -----------------------------------------------
can be executed on a computer. a computer. Depending on the complexity of the original problem, some of 11 a = (1/2) * b * h
these may be omitted, but for most problems, these steps show a sensible
O

O
12 print ("Area is", a)
approach.

Analyse – understand the problem that needs to be solved and how to Predict:
R

R
determine success. What do you think the code will do? What output do you think it will
Design – develop a solution to the problem and express the solution in a produce?
written description and/or a flowchart.
Run:
P

P
Implement – translate the description of the algorithm to a programming
language. Load the code into your coding environment and run it.
Debug and test – using tools, execute, find errors, fix errors and test Did it do what you thought it would do? Did the output match your
different inputs. prediction? If not, how did it differ?
Evaluate – make judgements about the solution based on the original Investigate:
T

requirements of the problem and consider changes related to efficiency.

Example of a simple algorithm

Here is an example of a simple algorithm. It sets two numbers, calculates
T Remove the line ‘b = 22’. Run the code. Carefully read the error message.
What is the message trying to tell you? Put the line back in.
Change the calculation to move the ‘(1/2)’ between the ‘b’ and ‘h’.
Run the code. What does that tell you about the use of brackets?
F

F
the total by adding them together, and then displays the total on the screen.
What does that tell you about the order of arithmetic operators?
This algorithm does not need the user to type in any numbers.
Three different versions of this algorithm are shown: a written description; Modify:
a flowchart; and program code. Be sure to run the code after each change to check it still works.
A

Change the identifier names (variables) to be more meaningful.

Written description
Remember to use camel case, if required.
Worked example Using the existing output line, add lines to display the values of each
Below is an algorithm for adding two numbers. variable before the total area.
R

Set the first number to 11. Make:

Set the second number to 22. A program is needed to calculate the price of an item after adding tax.
Calculate total by adding first and second numbers. The program must store the base price of an item, the tax rate
D

(expressed as a decimal), and the final price. The program must output
Output total.
the base price, the tax rate, and the final price. The formula to calculate
the final price is base price x (1 + tax rate).

26 30

Filled with worked Packed with Every section in

examples and exam questions Part A (Topics 1
activities using the using only the and 6) includes a
PLS or ‘Programming Edexcel command practical activity
Language Subset’ words so that for programming
(Python) for a simple exam preparation that follows the
and comprehensive is concise and PRIMM pedagogy.
approach to productive.
programming.

*Pearson’s paid for resources, as well as other endorsed resources, are not a prerequisite for the delivery of Pearson Edexcel specifications.

13
 Events
When it comes to tracking progress and preparing for assessment, we’ll provide
support and resources to help you and your students throughout the course.

Planning and Delivering the new GCSE Computer Science specification

from 2020.

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science: Introduction to Onscreen

Assessment followed by training for each question on paper 2 (6 additional
recordings).

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science: Introduction to Onscreen

Assessment Specimen set 1 followed by training for each question on paper
2 (6 additional recordings).

Introduction to Onscreen Assessment Specimen set 2 followed by training for

each question on paper 2 (6 additional recordings).

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science: Introduction to Onscreen

Assessment Specimen (Set 3) followed by training for each question on
paper 2 (6 additional recordings).

Find out more about our published resources at:

quals.pearson.com/CSRecording

14
Assessment & Progression
When it comes to tracking progress and preparing for assessment, we’ll provide support
and resources to help you and your students throughout the course.

Sample assessment materials, so that you can get to grips with the format of the
papers and the level of demand as quickly as possible.

Exemplar materials with commentaries for both examined papers.

Tools to help you track progress

ResultsPlus provides the most detailed analysis available of your students’ exam
performance. Widely used by teachers across the country, this free online service
enables you to identify topics and skills where students could benefit from further
learning, helping them gain a deeper understanding of computer science.
quals.pearson.com/resultsplusCS

examWizard is a free exam preparation tool containing a bank of past Pearson Edexcel
GCSE Computer Science exam questions, mark schemes and examiners’ reports.
quals.pearson.com/examwizardCS

15
 Version 1.0 • UKS • Mar 2022 • DCL1: Public.
Your Subject Advisor
If you need any support or advice, feel free to get in
touch with our dedicated subject advisor.

© Valery Brozhinsky/Shutterstock
Tim Brady
Tim is an ex-IT teacher himself and can answer your
questions about the Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1)

PEUK C0148
Computer Science 2020 qualification.

 0333 016 4160

Quals.pearson.com/contactusCS


Get in touch
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science 2020
For queries, information and support, we’re happy to help.
 Email us: TeachingComputerScience@pearson.com
 Follow us: @Pearson_CS
Visit us online: quals.pearson.com/ComputerScienceGuide


Find out more about our published resources at:

pearsonschools.co.uk/CSResources

Pearson Education Ltd is committed to reducing its impact on the

environment by using responsibly sourced and recycled paper.