GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Getting Started Guide - Issue 4 - Pearson Edexcel

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jake

Guide for teaching and preparing the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science (1CP2), issued for first teaching in September 2020 and first certification in 2022 (Issue 4). It explains purpose and key features, including an on-screen programming exam using Python and an IDE of choice, a defined Programming Language Subset (PLS), and emphasis on programming fundamentals. It provides content overview across six topics, assessment structure for Paper 01 and Paper 02, practical programming statement, assessment guidance, and planning and support resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages63

Reading Time2 h 39 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose of this guide

Key features

Content overview

What is included in each topic

The Programming Language Subset (PLS)

The Good Programming Practice Guide (GPPG)

Assessment overview

Paper 01: Principles of Computer Science

Paper 02: Application of Computational Thinking

Practical Programming Statement (PPS)

Subject content amplification

Topic 1: Computational thinking

Topic 2: Data

Topic 3: Computers

Topic 4: Networks

Topic 5: Issues and impact

Topic 6: Problem solving with programming

Assessment guidance

Assessment objectives

Computer-related mathematics

Command words

Mark schemes

Planning

Support

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GCSE (9-1) Computer Science Getting Started Guide Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science (1CP2) First teaching September 2020 First certification 2022 Issue 4 | | --- | |
| Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualifications website at [qualifications.pearson.com](qualifications.pearson.com) . Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details onour contact us page at [qualifications.pearson.com/contactus](qualifications.pearson.com/contactus) About Pearson Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their livesthrough learning. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do, because whereverlearning flourishes, so do people . Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at [qualifications.pearson.com](qualifications.pearson.com) References to third party material made in this document are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Materials may include textbooks,journals, magazinesand other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at the time of going to publication. All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2020 Getting Started: GCSE Computer Science 2020 Contents 1. Purpose of this guide ..................................................... 4 2. Key features ................................................................... 4 3. Content overview ........................................................... 5 What is included in each topic ........................................................... 5 The Programming Language Subset (PLS) ........................................... 7 The Good Programming Practice Guide (GPPG) .....................................8 4. Assessment overview ..................................................... 9 Paper 01: Principles of Computer Science ............................................9 Paper 02: Application of Computational Thinking ..................................9 Practical Programming Statement (PPS) ............................................ 10 5. Subject content amplification ....................................... 11 Topic 1: Computational thinking ...................................................... 11 Topic 2: Data ................................................................................ 18 Topic 3: Computers ....................................................................... 25 Topic 4: Networks ......................................................................... 33 Topic 5: Issues and impact ............................................................. 39 Topic 6: Problem solving with programming ....................................... 44 6. Assessment guidance ................................................... 53 Assessment objectives ................................................................... 56 Computer-related mathematics ....................................................... 58 Command words ........................................................................... 58 Mark schemes ............................................................................... 58 7. Planning ....................................................................... 60 8. Support ........................................................................ 61 Getting Started with GCSE Computer Science 1. Purpose of this guide The purpose of this Getting Started Guide is to provide yo

FAQs

What is the purpose of this GCSE Computer Science Getting Started Guide?

It provides additional information about the qualification and clarifies what needs to be covered for each specification point.

What are the key features of the GCSE (9-1) Computer Science qualification?

It includes engaging prescribed subject content, an on-screen programming exam using Python with an IDE of choice, a defined Programming Language Subset (PLS), and focus on programming fundamentals rather than Python-specific constructs.

How is the subject content assessed across the two papers and topics?

Topics 1 to 5 are assessed in Paper 01, while Topic 6 is assessed in Paper 02. The guide also outlines assessment guidance, objectives, mathematics, command words, and mark schemes.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Jake