Cambridge IGCSE™ and O Level Computer Science - Second Edition - David Watson, Helen Williams

Cambridge IGCSE™ and O Level Computer Science Second Edition Notes

Overview

  • This book is endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education and provides full syllabus coverage for Cambridge IGCSE™ (0478/0984) and O Level Computer Science (2210) for examination from 2023.
  • Consists of a Student’s Book, Boost eBook, two Workbooks and Teacher’s Guide with Boost Subscription.
  • The series aims to develop skills in programming, problem-solving, testing, and evaluation, while introducing automated and emerging technologies.

Available Resources:

  • Student’s Book: Provides guidance and supports throughout the course and helps to prepare for examination.
  • Boost eBook
  • Computer Systems Workbook
  • Algorithms, Programming and Logic Workbook
  • Teacher’s Guide with Boost Subscription: Includes a print handbook and online resources such as scheme of work, answers, electronic solutions, vocabulary flashcards, and automated PowerPoint presentations.

How to Use The Book

  • Content is organized into 10 chapters, aligning with the syllabus.
  • Material relevant to Computer Systems is in Chapters 1–6.
  • Material relevant to Algorithms, Programming and Logic is in Chapters 7–10.

Features

  • Learning Outline: Chapter overview of topics to be covered.
  • Chapter Introduction: Sets the focus of the chapter topics.
  • Activities: Short questions and exercises for knowledge recap.
  • Examples: Worked examples of mathematical and technical techniques.
  • Find out more: Activities exceeding syllabus content for deeper interest.
  • Advice: Tips, background information, and specific content details.
  • Links: Connections to related material within the book.
  • Extension: Optional content for students interested in further study at A Level.
  • Summary: Chapter main points.
  • Key Terms: Definitions of important terms highlighted in red.
  • Exam-style Questions: Preparation for examinations.
  • Additional Support: The Computer Systems Workbook and Programming, Algorithms and Logic Workbook provide additional opportunity for practice.

Command Words

  • Calculate: Work out from given facts, figures, or information.
  • Compare: Identify/comment on similarities and/or differences.
  • Define: Give precise meaning.
  • Demonstrate: Show how or give an example.
  • Describe: State the points of a topic/give characteristics and main features.
  • Evaluate: Judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something.
  • Explain: Set out purposes or reasons/make the relationships between things evident/provide why and/or how and support with relevant evidence.
  • Give: Produce an answer from a given source or recall/memory.
  • Identify: Name/select/recognize.
  • Outline: Set out the main points.
  • Show (that): Provide structured evidence that leads to a given result.
  • State: Express in clear terms.
  • Suggest: Apply knowledge and understanding to situations where there are a range of valid responses in order to make a proposal/put forward considerations.

Pseudocode & Programming Languages

  • Understanding of pseudocode syntax is needed for Algorithms, Programming and Logic.
  • Programming Languages: Python, VB.NET or Java.
  • Code examples are given using the correct pseudocode syntax and all three programming languages, each in a different text color for clarity.