Computer Science.
Code, create and understand the technology that shapes our world. Our course follows Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478), building both the practical programming skills and the theory students need to succeed in the examination.
What to expect.
Students develop their computational thinking and programming skills while studying how computer systems work — from data representation and hardware to networks, cyber security and emerging technologies. The course balances theory with hands-on coding, ensuring students can both write effective algorithms and explain the systems behind them. The qualification is split evenly between Paper 1 (Computer Systems) and Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic), and regular practice on past and specimen papers is built into the programme.
Topics covered.
Data representation & storage
Binary, hexadecimal and two's complement; how text, sound and images are represented; data storage units, file sizes and lossy/lossless compression.
Data transmission & security
Packet switching, serial/parallel and simplex/duplex transmission, error detection (parity, checksum, ARQ) and symmetric/asymmetric encryption.
Hardware & software
CPU and Von Neumann architecture, the fetch–decode–execute cycle, input/output devices, primary and secondary storage, operating systems, interrupts and translators.
The internet & emerging tech
The internet and world wide web, HTTP/HTTPS, browsers and cookies, digital currency and blockchain, cyber security threats, plus automated systems, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Algorithms & programming
The program development life cycle, decomposition, flowcharts and pseudocode; searching and sorting; validation, verification, trace tables and test data; selection, iteration, arrays, procedures, functions and file handling.
Databases & Boolean logic
Single-table databases, fields, primary keys and SQL queries; logic gates (NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR), logic circuits and truth tables.
Beyond the syllabus.
- Writing and tracing algorithms in pseudocode and a high-level language
- Computational thinking, decomposition and problem-solving
- Understanding computer architecture and how systems interrelate
- Network, data transmission and cyber security concepts
- Designing single-table databases and writing SQL queries
How progress is measured.
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478). Two externally assessed papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks and worth 50%: Paper 1 (Computer Systems) covers the theory topics, and Paper 2 (Algorithms, Programming and Logic) covers algorithm design, programming, databases and Boolean logic, including a 15-mark scenario question answered in pseudocode or Python, Visual Basic or Java. No calculators are permitted in either paper. At BOS, regular programming practice and mock papers in Cambridge format keep students on track, with termly reports showing predicted grades.
Where it leads.
IGCSE Computer Science is the ideal foundation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science and university courses in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
How computer science lessons work.
Live & interactive.
Every lesson is delivered live by a qualified teacher. Students participate through voice, chat, whiteboards and breakout rooms.
Small classes.
Maximum fifteen students per class. Every child gets individual attention, feedback and support throughout the lesson.
Recorded for review.
Every lesson is recorded and available on the student portal. Students can re-watch, revise and catch up at any time.
A fifteen-minute conversation could change your child's education.
Speak with our team. No pressure, no jargon, just honest answers about whether BOS is the right fit for your family.
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