Programming fundamentals
Variables, selection, iteration, functions, lists and practical problem-solving.
Topic guide coming soonGCSE learning pathway
GCSE Computer Science topics
This GCSE Computer Science pathway is designed to help students find the topics they need to revise, understand what each topic involves, and build confidence before tackling exam-style questions.
GCSE topic guide placeholders
These topic cards will expand into checked revision guides, practice questions and exam-board notes.
Algorithms
Flowcharts, pseudocode, tracing, searching, sorting and decomposition.
Topic guide coming soonData representation
Binary, hexadecimal, characters, images, sound and compression.
Topic guide coming soonComputer systems
CPU, fetch-decode-execute, embedded systems and system architecture.
Topic guide coming soonMemory and storage
Primary storage, secondary storage, capacity, speed and storage choices.
Topic guide coming soonNetworks
LANs, WANs, topologies, protocols, layers and network hardware.
Topic guide coming soonCyber security
Threats, prevention, malware, phishing, social engineering and protection.
Topic guide coming soonDatabases
Tables, fields, records, keys, queries and basic database design.
Topic guide coming soonBoolean logic
Logic gates, truth tables, expressions and careful reasoning.
Topic guide coming soonEthics, legal and environmental issues
Impacts of technology, privacy, law, sustainability and responsible use.
Topic guide coming soonExam technique and past papers
Command words, mark schemes, trace tables and precise written answers.
Topic guide coming soonChoose your GCSE exam board
Use these checked summaries as a starting point for paper structure, common topic areas and official specification links. Always check your school’s exact exam board and current teacher guidance.
OCR GCSE Computer Science
OCR J277 is assessed through two written papers. Computer Systems focuses on hardware, memory and storage, networks, security, systems software and wider impacts. Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming focuses on algorithms, programming techniques, robust programs, Boolean logic and translators/IDEs.
- Computer systems (J277/01): 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50%, no calculators
- Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (J277/02): 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks, 50%, no calculators
- Practical programming is developed during the course and assessed in the written exams, especially component 02 section B
- Specification PDF: OCR GCSE Computer Science J277
AQA GCSE Computer Science
AQA 8525 is a linear GCSE with two papers. For students taking exams in 2026, schools may still be using the current first-teaching-2020 specification; AQA also has an updated 8525 specification for first teaching from September 2025 and first exams in summer 2027.
- Updated Paper 1: Computational thinking and programming skills, 2 hours, 90 marks, 50%
- Updated Paper 2: Computing concepts, 1 hour 45 minutes, 90 marks, 50%
- Topic areas include algorithms, programming, data representation, computer systems, networks, cyber security, SQL and wider impacts
- Specification page: AQA GCSE Computer Science 8525
Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
Pearson Edexcel 1CP2 has two externally examined papers: a written principles paper and a practical onscreen programming assessment. Paper 2 is completed onscreen using Python 3 and an IDE.
- Paper 1: Principles of Computer Science (1CP2/01), written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks, 50%
- Paper 2: Application of Computational Thinking (1CP2/02), onscreen exam, 2 hours, 75 marks, 50%
- Paper 1 topics: computational thinking, data, computers, networks, issues and impact
- Paper 2 focus: problem solving with programming, including designing, writing, testing and refining programs
Eduqas/WJEC GCSE Computer Science
Eduqas GCSE Computer Science C500QS has no NEA component. It is assessed through a written theory component and an onscreen programming component.
- Component 1: Understanding Computer Science, written exam, 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%
- Component 2: Computer Programming, onscreen exam, 2 hours, 80 marks, 50%
- Component 1 covers hardware, logic, data, operating systems, programming principles, security, data management, impacts and algorithms
- Component 2 focuses on problem solving, programming languages, data structures, program design, implementation and testing
Need help with GCSE Computer Science?
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