WJEC GCSE Computer Science specification (3500)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Computer Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Computer Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Computer Science (3500) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE in Computer Science aims to foster an understanding and application of core computer science principles including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. Learners are encouraged to think analytically and creatively while developing their problem-solving skills through program design and debugging. The qualification explores digital systems, communication methods, the social impact of technology, and appropriate mathematical skills. It is designed to support progression to further study in computing and is structured for innovative teaching approaches and robust assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical programming ability:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Understanding Computer Science
- Hardware: CPU components (Von Neumann, ALU, CU, etc.), storage types and characteristics, embedded systems
- Logical operations: Boolean logic, truth tables, simplification
- Communication: Network types, topologies, protocols, TCP/IP model, DNS/IP addressing
- Data: Binary/hex conversions, character sets (ASCII, Unicode), multimedia storage, data types, arrays, validation
- System software: OS resource/interface management, utilities
- Programming principles: High/low-level languages, translation tools
- Software engineering: IDE tools and usage
- Program construction: Compilation process, errors
- Data security and management: Access control, encryption, backup, archiving
- Network and cyber security: Malware, policy, vulnerabilities, protection methods
- Ethics/legal/environmental: Professional standards, legislation, impact on society
Unit 2: Computational Thinking and Programming
- Problem solving: Decomposition, abstraction, modular program structure
- Algorithms: Pseudocode, flowcharts, search and sort methods
- Programming constructs: Sequence, selection, iteration, subroutines, variables, identifiers, string and mathematical operations, logical operators, testing
- Programming languages:
- HTML: standard tags and structure
- Greenfoot (Java): class/object/method creation, inheritance, encapsulation
- Assembly: INP, OUT, STA, LDA, ADD, SUB, etc.
- Data structures and types: Arrays, files, records; integer, Boolean, real, character, string
- Security and authentication: Validation techniques, login systems
Unit 3: Software Development (NEA)
- Scenario-based project: analysis, design (interface, data structures, routines), implementation
- Refinement log: session tracking, problem-solving documentation
- Technical quality: code structure, identifiers, validation, annotation
- Testing: strategy, unit/integration/functional testing, test data
- Evaluation: solution effectiveness, areas for improvement, suggestions for extension:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Understanding Computer Science
- Written paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 100 marks
- 50% of qualification
- Covers theoretical knowledge across hardware, software, networks, ethics, programming, data
Unit 2: Computational Thinking and Programming
- On-screen exam: 2 hours
- 60 marks
- 30% of qualification
- Assesses algorithm design, constructs, problem-solving and use of Greenfoot IDE
Unit 3: Software Development
- Non-exam assessment: 20 hours
- 80 marks
- 20% of qualification
- Project set by WJEC, includes analysis, design, implementation, testing and refinement log
- Must use a supported high-level language (e.g. Python, Java, VB.NET)
- Marked by teacher and moderated by WJEC:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Computer Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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