CS Workout is designed to cover the specific requirements and topics outlined by each exam board (OCR, AQA, Edexcel, SQA, WJEC/Eduqas, and CIE), ensuring that students gain a robust understanding of computer science principles and practical skills. Whether you're looking to excel in theoretical concepts, master programming techniques, or understand the ethical implications of technology, CS Workout provides all the essential knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Explore the detailed specifications below to see how CS Workout aligns with your chosen exam board.
The OCR GCSE Computer Science course offers students a comprehensive foundation in computing concepts and programming skills. This course emphasises practical problem-solving and theoretical knowledge, preparing students for further education and careers in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
OCR specification | CSW Topics | ||
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1.1 Systems architecture | |||
1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU |
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1.1.2 CPU performance |
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1.1.3 Embedded systems |
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1.2 Memory and storage | |||
1.2.1 Primary storage (Memory) |
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1.2.2 Secondary storage |
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1.2.3 Units |
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1.2.4 Data storage |
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1.2.5 Compression |
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1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols | |||
1.3.1 Networks and topologies |
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1.3.2 Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers |
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1.4 Network security | |||
1.4.1 Threats to computer systems and networks |
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1.4.2 Identifying and preventing vulnerabilities |
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1.5 Systems software | |||
1.5.1 Operating systems |
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1.5.2 Utility software |
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1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology | |||
1.6.1 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impact |
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2.1 Algorithms | |||
2.1.1 Computational thinking |
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2.1.2 Designing, creating and refining algorithms |
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2.1.3 Searching and sorting algorithms |
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2.2 Programming fundamentals | |||
2.2.1 Programming fundamentals |
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2.2.2 Data types |
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2.2.3 Additonal programming |
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2.3 Producing robust programs | |||
2.3.1 Defensive design |
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2.3.2 Testing |
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2.4 Boolean logic | |||
2.4.1 Boolean logic |
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2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments | |||
2.5.1 Languages |
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2.5.2 The Integrated Development Environment (IDE) |
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The AQA GCSE Computer Science course is designed to develop students' understanding of computer science principles and enhance their problem-solving skills using programming. This course balances theoretical concepts with practical application, fostering critical thinking and technical proficiency.
AQA specification | CSW Topics | ||
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3.1 Fundamentals of algorithms | |||
3.1.1 Representing algorithms |
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3.1.2 Efficiency of algorithms |
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3.1.3 Searching algorithms |
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3.1.4 Sorting algorithms |
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3.2 Programming | |||
3.2.1 Data types |
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3.2.2 Programming concepts |
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3.2.3 Arithmetic operations in a programming language |
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3.2.4 Relational operations in a programming language |
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3.2.5 Boolean operations in a programming language |
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3.2.6 Data structures |
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3.2.7 Input/output |
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3.2.8 String handling operations in a programming language |
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3.2.9 Random number generation in a programming language |
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3.2.10 Structured programming and subroutines (procedures and functions) |
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3.2.11 Robust and secure programming |
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3.3 Fundamentals of data representation | |||
3.3.1 Number bases |
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3.3.2 Converting between number bases |
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3.3.3 Units of information |
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3.3.4 Binary arithmetic |
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3.3.5 Character encoding |
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3.3.6 Representing images |
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3.3.7 Representing sound |
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3.3.8 Data compression |
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3.4 Computer systems | |||
3.4.1 Hardware and software |
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3.4.2 Boolean logic |
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3.4.3 Software classification |
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3.4.4 Classification of programming languages and translators |
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3.4.5 Systems architecture |
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3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks | |||
3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks |
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3.6 Cyber security | |||
3.6.1 Fundamentals of cyber security |
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3.6.2 Cyber security threats |
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3.6.3 Methods to detect and prevent cyber security threats |
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3.7 Relational databases and structured query language | |||
3.7.1 Relational databases |
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3.7.2 Structured query language (SQL) |
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3.8 Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy | |||
3.8 Impacts of Digital Technology |
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The Edexcel GCSE Computer Science course provides students with a solid understanding of computational theory and practical programming experience. This course focuses on developing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities, crucial for success in computing and technology fields.
Edexcel specification | CSW Topics | ||
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1 Computational thinking | |||
1.1 Decomposition and abstraction | |||
1.2 Algorithms | |||
1.3 Truth tables | |||
2 Data | |||
2.1 Binary | |||
2.2 Data representation | |||
2.3 Data storage and compression | |||
3 Computers | |||
3.1 Hardware | |||
3.2 Software | |||
3.3 Programming languages | |||
4 Networks | |||
4.1 Networks | |||
4.2 Network security | |||
5 Issues and impact | |||
5.1 Environmental | |||
5.2 Ethical and legal | |||
5.3 Cybersecurity | |||
6 Problem solving with programming | |||
6.1 Develop code | |||
6.2 Constructs | |||
6.3 Data types and structures | |||
6.4 Input/output | |||
6.5 Operators | |||
6.6 Subprograms |
The SQA National 5 Computing Science course equips students with essential skills in programming, web design, and understanding of computer systems. This course encourages analytical thinking and creativity, laying a strong foundation for further study and careers in technology.
SQA N5 specification | CSW Topics | ||
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1 Software design and development | |||
Development methodologies | |||
Analysis | |||
Design | |||
Implementation (data types and structures) | |||
Implementation (computational constructs) | |||
Implementation (algorithm specification) | |||
Testing | |||
Evaluation | |||
2 Computer systems | |||
Data representation | |||
Computer structure | |||
Environmental impact | |||
Security precautions | |||
3 Database design and development | |||
Analysis | |||
Design | |||
Implementation | |||
Testing | |||
Evaluation | |||
4 Web design and development | |||
Analysis | |||
Design | |||
Implementation (CSS) | |||
Implementation (HTML) | |||
Implementation (JavaScript) | |||
Testing | |||
Evaluation |
The WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Computer Science course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, offering students an in-depth understanding of computer science. This course prepares students for advanced study and careers in technology, emphasising problem-solving and computational thinking.
WJEC/Eduqas specification | CSW Topics | ||
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1 Computer architecture | |||
Components | |||
Peripheral devices | |||
Storage | |||
2 Structure of systems and functions | |||
Data types, including representation, storage and compression | |||
Data and file structures | |||
Automated systems | |||
3 How systems communicate | |||
Networks and infrastructure | |||
Cybersecurity and personal privacy | |||
4 Algorithms | |||
Algorithms | |||
5 Software | |||
Principles of programming | |||
Software development, including the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) | |||
Program construction | |||
6 Logical operations | |||
Logical operations | |||
7 Operating systems | |||
Operating systems | |||
8 Systems development lifecycle | |||
Systems development lifecycle | |||
9 Investigation | |||
Decomposition | |||
Abstraction | |||
Pattern recognition | |||
10 Design | |||
Algorithms | |||
Data modelling | |||
11 Implementation | |||
Programming | |||
User interfaces | |||
12 Testing | |||
Testing | |||
13 Refinement including evaluation | |||
Refinement including evaluation |
The Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science course provides students with a global perspective on computing principles and programming practices. This course emphasises both theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing students for higher education and careers in the global tech industry.
Cambridge IGCSE specification | CSW Topics | ||
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1 Data representation | |||
1.1 Number systems | |||
1.2 Text, sound and images | |||
1.3 Data storage and compression | |||
2 Data transmission | |||
2.1 Types and methods of data transmission | |||
2.2 Methods of error detection | |||
2.3 Encryption | |||
3 Hardware | |||
3.1 Computer architecture | |||
3.2 Input and output devices | |||
3.3 Data storage | |||
3.4 Network hardware | |||
4 Software | |||
4.1 Types of software and interrupts | |||
4.2 Types of programming language, translators and integrated development environments (IDEs) | |||
5 The internet and its uses | |||
5.1 The internet and the world wide web | |||
5.2 Digital currency | |||
5.3 Cyber security | |||
6 Automated and emerging technologies | |||
6.1 Automated systems | |||
6.2 Robotics | |||
6.3 Artificial intelligence | |||
7 Algorithm design and problem-solving | |||
7.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving | |||
8 Programming | |||
8.1 Programming concepts | |||
8.2 Arrays | |||
8.3 File handling | |||
9 Databases | |||
9.1 Databases | |||
10 Boolean logic | |||
10.1 Boolean logic |
Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, known for its simplicity and versatility. Our Python programming section is designed to equip students with essential coding skills, focusing on both fundamental concepts and advanced techniques. Through hands-on exercises and real-world projects, students will learn to write efficient, readable, and robust code, preparing them for further studies and careers in computer science and related fields.
Python Programmin | Topics | ||
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1 Getting started with Python | |||
1.1 Introduction to Python |
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1.2 Setting up the environment |
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1.3 Understanding the Python interactive Shell |
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2 Basic Python syntax and data types | |||
2.1 Python syntax |
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2.2 Variables and data types |
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2.3 Basic operators |
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3 Input and output | |||
3.1 Basic input and output |
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4 Control structures | |||
4.1 Conditional statements |
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4.2 Loops |
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5 Data structures | |||
5.1 Lists |
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5.2 Tuples |
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5.3 Sets |
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5.4 Dictionaries |
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6 Functions and modules | |||
6.1 Functions |
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6.2 Modules and packages |
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7 String manipulation | |||
7.1 String operations |
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8 File handling | |||
8.1 File handling |
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9 Error handling | |||
9.1 Errors |
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9.2 Exceptions |
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9.3 Debugging |
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10 Validation and regular expressions | |||
10.1 Validation |
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10.2 Regular expressions |
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