be able to follow and write algorithms (flowcharts, pseudocode, program code) that use sequence, selection, repetition (count-controlled, condition-controlled) and iteration (over every item in a data structure), and input, processing and output to solve problems

1.2.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the need for and be able to follow and write algorithms that use variables and constants and one- and two-dimensional data structures (strings, records, arrays)

1.2.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the need for and be able to follow and write algorithms that use arithmetic operators (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, modulus, integer division, exponentiation), relational operators (equal to, less than, greater than, not equal to, less than or equal to, greater than or equal to) and logical operators (AND, OR, NOT)

1.2.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to determine the correct output of an algorithm for a given set of data and use a trace table to determine what value a variable will hold at a given point in an algorithm

1.2.5 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand types of errors that can occur in programs (syntax, logic, runtime) and be able to identify and correct logic errors in algorithms

1.2.6 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how standard algorithms (bubble sort, merge sort, linear search, binary search) work

1.2.7 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to use logical reasoning and test data to evaluate an algorithm’s fitness for purpose and efficiency (number of compares, number of passes through a loop, use of memory)

1.3.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to apply logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) in truth tables with up to three inputs to solve problems

2.1.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand that computers use binary to represent data (numbers, text, sound, graphics) and program instructions and be able to determine the maximum number of states that can be represented by a binary pattern of a given length

2.1.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how computers represent and manipulate unsigned integers and two’s complement signed integers

2.1.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to convert between denary and 8-bit binary numbers (0 to 255, -128 to +127)

2.1.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to add together two positive binary patterns and apply logical and arithmetic binary shifts

2.1.5 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the concept of overflow in relation to the number of bits available to store a value

2.1.6 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand why hexadecimal notation is used and be able to convert between hexadecimal and binary

2.2.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how computers encode characters using 7-bit ASCII

2.2.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how bitmap images are represented in binary (pixels, resolution, colour depth)

2.2.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how analogue sound is represented in binary (amplitude, sample rate, bit depth, sample interval)

2.2.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the limitations of binary representation of data when constrained by the number of available bits

2.3.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand that data storage is measured in binary multiples (bit, nibble, byte, kibibyte, mebibyte, gibibyte, tebibyte) and be able to construct expressions to calculate file sizes and data capacity requirements

2.3.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the need for data compression and methods of compressing data (lossless, lossy)

3.1.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the von Neumann stored program concept and the role of main memory (RAM), CPU (control unit, arithmetic logic unit, registers), clock, address bus, data bus, control bus in the fetch-decode-execute cycle

3.1.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the role of secondary storage and the ways in which data is stored on devices (magnetic, optical, solid state)

3.1.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the concept of an embedded system and what embedded systems are used for

3.2.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the purpose and functionality of an operating system (file management, process management, peripheral management, user management)

3.2.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the purpose and functionality of utility software (file repair, backup, data compression, disk defragmentation, anti-malware)

3.2.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the importance of developing robust software and methods of identifying vulnerabilities (audit trails, code reviews)

3.3.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the characteristics and purposes of low-level and high-level programming languages

3.3.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how an interpreter differs from a compiler in the way it translates high-level code into machine code

4.1.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand why computers are connected in a network

4.1.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand different types of networks (LAN, WAN)

4.1.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how the internet is structured (IP addressing, routers)

4.1.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how the characteristics of wired and wireless connectivity impact on performance (speed, range, latency, bandwidth)

4.1.5 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand that network speeds are measured in bits per second (kilobit, megabit, gigabit) and be able to construct expressions involving file size, transmission rate and time

4.1.6 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the role of and need for network protocols (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP) and email protocols (POP3, SMTP, IMAP)

4.1.7 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand how the 4-layer (application, transport, internet, link) TCP/IP model handles data transmission over a network

4.1.8 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand characteristics of network topologies (bus, star, mesh)

4.2.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the importance of network security, ways of identifying network vulnerabilities (penetration testing, ethical hacking) and methods of protecting networks (access control, physical security, firewalls)

5.1.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand environmental issues associated with the use of digital devices (energy consumption, manufacture, replacement cycle, disposal)

5.2.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand ethical and legal issues associated with the collection and use of personal data (privacy, ownership, consent, misuse, data protection)

5.2.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand ethical and legal issues associated with the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics (accountability, safety, algorithmic bias, legal liability)

5.2.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand methods of intellectual property protection for computer systems and software (copyright, patents, trademarks, licencing)

5.3.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the threat to digital systems posed by malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, key loggers) and how hackers exploit technical vulnerabilities (unpatched software, out-of-date anti-malware) and use social engineering to carry out cyberattacks

5.3.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand methods of protecting digital systems and data (anti-malware, encryption, acceptable use policies, backup and recovery procedures)

6.1.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to use decomposition and abstraction to analyse, understand and solve problems

6.1.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to read, write, analyse and refine programs written in a high-level programming language

6.1.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to convert algorithms (flowcharts, pseudocode*) into programs

6.1.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to use techniques (layout, indentation, comments, meaningful identifiers, white space) to make programs easier to read, understand and maintain

6.1.5 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to identify, locate and correct program errors (logic, syntax, runtime)

6.1.6 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to use logical reasoning and test data to evaluate a program’s fitness for purpose and efficiency (number of compares, number of passes through a loop, use of memory)

6.2.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the function of and be able to identify the structural components of programs (constants, variables, initialisation and assignment statements, command sequences, selection, repetition, iteration, data structures, subprograms, parameters, input/output)

6.2.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that make appropriate use of sequencing, selection, repetition (count-controlled, condition-controlled), iteration (over every item in a data structure) and single entry/exit points from code blocks and subprograms

6.3.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that make appropriate use of primitive data types (integer, real, Boolean, char) and oneand two-dimensional structured data types (string, array, record)

6.3.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that make appropriate use of variables and constants

6.3.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that manipulate strings (length, position, substrings, case conversion)

6.4.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that accept and respond appropriately to user input

6.4.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that read from and write to comma separated value text files

6.4.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the need for and be able to write programs that implement validation (length check, presence check, range check, pattern check)

6.4.4 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the need for and be able to write programs that implement authentication (ID and password, lookup)

6.5.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that use arithmetic operators (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, modulus, integer division, exponentiation)

6.5.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that use relational operators (equal to, less than, greater than, not equal to, less than or equal to, greater than or equal to)

6.5.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that use logical operators (AND, OR, NOT)

6.6.1 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write programs that use pre-existing (built-in, library) and user-devised subprograms (procedures, functions)

6.6.2 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

be able to write functions that may or may not take parameters but must return values, and procedures that may or may not take parameters but do not return values

6.6.3 (Edexcel 2020)

Depth 2

understand the difference between and be able to write programs that make appropriate use of global and local variables

Framework metadata

Source document: Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science (1CP2)
License: CC BY 4.0 US