Our new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science qualification has a written and a practical onscreen assessment element. This balance provides students with a rounded experience of computer science in comparison with a traditional paper-based exam that relies on students reading and writing pseudocode. 

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Teaching Computer Science for the future

We’ve removed the paper-based application of computational thinking paper, and replaced it with a 2-hour, on-screen practical programming exam. Students will use Python 3 and your own Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to complete a series of programming tasks. We’ve made these changes because you told us that your students:

  • prefer to not switch between topics within the same question
  • really enjoy learning how to program and want the ability to design, write and test code and want this to be assessed and count towards their final grade.

Our new onscreen assessment for paper 2 will give them a more practical and engaging assessment experience that can be transferred into real world skills.

Clear and simple structure

Our approach of assessing programming practically via our new onscreen assessment allows schools to choose which Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to use. Students are then able to complete activities using their IDE of choice, so they’re programming in a familiar environment - without the need for internet access.

Our assessments are designed with an underpinning pedagogical approach derived from NCCE Hubs, and ensure real-world programming skills are assessed via a realistic, practical and engaging assessment experience.

We’ve chosen python as a vehicle to facilitate the teaching, learning and assessment for all students to get the best possible experience.

Download our subject guide to find out more.

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Case study: The Deans Trust Ashton on Mersey School

We spoke to Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Computer Science teachers and students in Year 10 and Year 11 at The Deans Trust Ashton on Mersey School to listen to their feedback on using the onscreen assessment.
Deans Trust

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Unbeatable support every step of the way

We know at first it might seem challenging to implement onscreen assessment, but we’re here to help!

Our FAQs cover everything you need to know about practical implementation, set up, and content.

Also, our GCSE Computer Science SAMs Paper 2 Training & Exemplar Assessment pack will provide you with all the exam support you're looking for.

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Additional questions?

Get in touch with our subject advisor, Tim Brady, via TeachingComputerScience@pearson.com.