Units of study
Unit 1 – Computational thinking
Unit 2 – Data
pg 33 – 66 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 7 – Solving Logic Problems
pg 34
- Define the stages of software development
- Be able to develop solutions to simple logic problems
- Be able to check solutions to simple logic problems
Chapter 8 – Structured Programming
pg 39
- Understand the structured approach to program design and construction
- Be able to construct and use hierarchy charts when designing programs
- Be able to explain the advantages of the structured approach
Chapter 9 – Writing and interpreting algorithms
pg 42
- To understand the term ‘algorithm’
- To learn how to write and interpret algorithms using pseudocode
Chapter 10 – Testing and evaluation
pg 48
- Understand the purpose of testing
- Devise a test plan
- Select test data covering normal (typical), boundary and invalid or erroneous data
- Be able to hand-trace algorithms
Chapter 11 – Abstraction and automation
pg 52
- Describe the skills involved in computational thinking
- Understand the concept of abstraction
- Give examples of different types of abstraction
- Describe the process of abstraction for solving problems
Chapter 12 – Finite state machines
pg 60
- Understand what is meant by a finite state machine
- List some of the uses of a finite state machine
- Draw and interpret simple state transition diagrams for finite state machines with no output
- Draw a state transition table for a finite state machine with no output
Unit 3 – Computers
pg 67 – 98 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 13 – Number Systems
Chapter 14 – Bits, bytes and binary
Chapter 15 – Binary arithmetic and the representation of fractions
Chapter 16 – Bitmapped graphics
Chapter 17 – Digital representation of sound
Chapter 18 – Data compression and encryption algorithms
Unit 4 – Networks
pg 99 – 124 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 13 – Hardware and software
Chapter 14 – Role of an operating system
Chapter 15 – Programming language classification
Chapter 16 – Programming language translators
Chapter 17 – Logic gates
Chapter 18 – Boolean algebra
Unit 5 – Issues & Impacts
pg 125 – 157 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 25 – Internal computer hardware
Chapter 26 – The processor
Chapter 27 – The processor instruction set
Chapter 28 – Assembly language
Chapter 29 – Input-output devices
Chapter 30 – Secondary storage devices
Unit 6 – Programming
pg 158 – 186 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 31 – Communication methods
Chapter 32 – Network tolopogy
Chapter 33 – Client-server and peer-to-peer
Chapter 34 – Wireless networking, CSMA and SSID
Chapter 35 – Communication and privacy
Chapter 36 – The challenges of the digital age
Useful online resources
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) 1CP2 Computer Science (YouTube playlist)
by Craig’n’Dave https://www.youtube.com/@craigndave
You can access all of their videos covering the 1CP2 content here.
Logic.ly
Logic.ly – Teach logic gates + digital circuits effectively — with Logicly
Key Features of Logic.ly:
- Design circuits quickly and easily with a modern and intuitive user interface with drag-and-drop, copy/paste, zoom & more.
- Take control of debugging by pausing the simulation and watching the signal propagate as you advance step-by-step.
- Don’t worry about multiple platforms on student computers. Install on both Windows and macOS.
Click the link below to load the website
Ada Computer Science
Ada Computer Science – The free learning platform for computing teachers and students
This website includes:
- Free computer science resources: Tailored for students aged 14 to 19
- Interactive questions: Over 1000 questions with instant marking and feedback
- AI and machine learning resources: Stay ahead of the AI curve
- Complete curriculums: For GCSE, A Level, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher
Click the link below to load the website
Isaac Computer Science
Isaac Computer Science – the learning platform for GCSE and A level students and teachers.
This webite includes:
- Tailored content for your exam board to boost learning and revision
- Track progress on questions to pinpoint areas to work on
- Work towards better exam results with quality materials written by experienced teachers
Click the link below to load the website
Draw.io
Draw.io – also known as diagrams.net, is a popular free and open-source online diagramming tool. It’s a web-based application that allows users to create a wide variety of diagrams, flowcharts, and visual representations.
It supports a vast range of diagram types, including:
- Flowcharts
- Network diagrams (including cloud architectures like AWS, Azure, GCP)
- UML diagrams (Unified Modeling Language)
- ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagrams)
- BPMN diagrams (Business Process Model and Notation)
- Organizational charts
- Mind maps
- Wireframes and mockups
- Floor plans
- Infographics
- Circuit diagrams
Click the link below to load the website
Trinket.io
Trinket.io – an online coding environment designed for education. It allows users to write, run, and share code directly in their web browser, on any device, without needing to download plugins or install software.
Run Code Anywhere: This is the core concept. Because it’s web-based, you can access and use Trinket from virtually any device with an internet connection – desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. This removes barriers like operating system compatibility or needing specific software.
Browser-Based: All the coding and execution happens within your web browser. This means instant access and no setup time.
Multiple Languages Supported: Trinket supports a variety of programming languages, including:
- Python (including Python 3)
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (for web development)
- Java
- Blocks (a visual, drag-and-drop language often used to transition from Scratch to text-based coding)
- GlowScript (for 3D graphics and animations)
Click the link below to load the website
PMT (Physics and maths tutor)
PMT (Physics and maths tutor) – a popular online platform providing free revision resources for a wide range of subjects, including Computer Science, for GCSE and A-Level students in the UK.
Key Features of PMT Computer Science Revision:
- Revision Notes: Comprehensive notes covering various topics for both GCSE and A-Level Computer Science, often broken down by exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). These notes are generally concise and aim to cover all necessary content.
- Past Papers: Access to a collection of past exam papers and mark schemes for different exam boards, crucial for practicing exam technique and understanding common question types.
- Topic Questions: Many subjects on PMT offer topic-specific questions, allowing you to test your knowledge on particular areas before attempting full papers.
- Flashcards: Summarised information in flashcard format, useful for quick recall and memorisation of key terms and concepts.
- Glossary: Definitions of important Computer Science terms.
Click the link below to load the website
Useful textbooks & essential documentation
GCSE (9-1) Computer Science specification 1CP2 (Pearson Edexcel)
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) 1CP2 Computer Science
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) 1CP2 Computer Science
This book is aimed at GCSE students. It provides comprehensive yet concise coverage of all the topics covered in the new Edexcel 1CP2 Computer Science specification, written and presented in a way that is accessible to teenagers. It will be invaluable both as a course text and as a revision guide for students nearing the end of their course.
It is divided into six sections covering every element of the specification. Section 6 covers problem solving with programming with practical problems that help students when learn the key concepts required for paper 2. Python 3 is used and questions and examples can all be completed using syntax from the Programming Language Subset (PLS).
Click the link below to load the website to purchase a copy of the book
Edexcel GCSE (9-1) 1CP2 Computer Science – by PGOnline