Computer Science
GCSE · CCEA
Mathematics
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ViewingCCEA offers GCSE Digital Technology in Northern Ireland, with programming and computer systems content that closely parallels GCSE Computer Science elsewhere in the UK. It combines written examination with a substantial practical controlled assessment.
Content covers algorithms and standard search and sort routines, programming constructs and data structures, data representation including binary, hexadecimal and two's complement, logic gates, CPU architecture and the fetch-execute cycle, memory and storage, networks and protocols, cyber security, database design, and the ethical, legal and environmental impact of technology.
The practical component rewards genuine fluency rather than memorised examples. Pupils who write code regularly, and who can hand-trace an algorithm on paper, perform markedly better across both parts of the assessment.
Important Topics
- AlgorithmsPseudocode, flowcharts, linear and binary search, bubble and merge sort.
- ProgrammingData types, selection, iteration, arrays, subprograms, files and validation.
- Data RepresentationBinary, hexadecimal, two's complement, character sets, images and sound.
- Logic & ArchitectureLogic gates, truth tables, CPU components and the fetch-execute cycle.
- Memory, Storage & SoftwareRAM, ROM, cache, secondary storage and the role of the operating system.
- Networks & SecurityTopologies, protocols, encryption, cyber threats and defensive measures.
- Databases & Digital ImpactRelational design and SQL, plus data protection and ethical and legal issues.
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