GCSE

WJEC GCSE Computer Science Revision

Adaptive practice aligned to the Welsh Joint Education Committee (Eduqas) specification. 8 topics, exam-style questions, and instant AI feedback.

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About WJEC GCSE Computer Science

WJEC is the principal exam board in Wales and also offers qualifications in England under the Eduqas brand. Their specifications are known for accessible language and clear assessment objectives.

GCSE Computer Science teaches you computational thinking, programming, and the theory behind how computers work. You will learn about data representation, computer networks, algorithms, Boolean logic, and system security, alongside developing practical programming skills.

Topics in WJEC GCSE Computer Science

1 Algorithms

2 Programming

3 Data Representation

4 Computer Systems

5 Networks

6 Cyber Security

7 Databases

8 Ethical Issues

Study Tips for WJEC Computer Science

Practise writing code by hand, not just on a computer. In the exam you will need to write, trace, and debug code on paper, so get comfortable with this. Use pseudocode and your chosen programming language interchangeably.

Master binary, hexadecimal, and denary conversions until they are second nature. These appear in multiple topics and underpin your understanding of data representation.

For algorithms, learn the steps of common sorting (bubble sort, merge sort) and searching (linear search, binary search) algorithms. Be able to trace through them with example data and explain their efficiency.

Create summary sheets for networking topics — learn the layers, protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP), and the differences between LANs and WANs with specific technical detail.

Exam Tips for WJEC Computer Science

When writing code in the exam, use clear variable names and add comments if it helps explain your logic. Even if your code is not perfectly syntactically correct, demonstrating sound logic and structure will earn marks.

For questions about system security, always link the threat to a specific prevention method. Stating that malware is a threat is not enough — explain how firewalls, anti-malware software, or user authentication help prevent it.

Trace tables are your friend. When asked to determine the output of a piece of code, use a trace table to work through each line methodically rather than trying to run it in your head.

Frequently Asked Questions

What programming language is used in GCSE Computer Science?

This depends on your school. Python is the most commonly taught language, but some schools use Visual Basic, C#, or Java. The exam questions are designed to be answerable in any of these languages or in pseudocode.

Is GCSE Computer Science mostly coding?

No, there is a significant theory component covering topics like networking, data representation, system architecture, and cyber security. Typically about 50% of the exam is theory and 50% involves computational thinking and programming.

Is GCSE Computer Science hard?

It combines logical thinking with a lot of technical content, so many students find it challenging. If you enjoy problem-solving and are willing to practise coding regularly, it is very achievable.

Do I need GCSE Computer Science for A-Level Computer Science?

Most sixth forms recommend it but do not always require it, provided you have a strong Maths grade. Having the GCSE gives you a significant advantage because the A-Level builds directly on many GCSE topics.