BSEH Secondary Computer Science study plan
BSEH Secondary Computer Science · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Computer Fundamentals and Number Systems
Convert between binary, octal, decimal, and hexadecimal by hand and verify each conversion with a second method
Perform binary addition, subtraction, and two's-complement representation of negative integers
Explain the stored-program (von Neumann) model and trace instruction fetch-decode-execute for a simple program
Distinguish bit, byte, word, and common storage units (KiB vs KB) and compute file-size conversions
Your checkpoint
A hand-written worksheet of 20 mixed number-system conversions and 10 binary arithmetic problems, each with a checked answer and a one-line note on the method used
Computer Fundamentals and Number Systems & Programming Fundamentals and Problem Solving
Represent signed integers, characters (ASCII/Unicode), and simple images/sound in binary terms
Build truth tables for AND, OR, NOT, XOR and evaluate compound Boolean expressions
Write algorithms in pseudocode for sequence, selection, and iteration problems
Draw flowcharts for three small problems and match each to its pseudocode
Your checkpoint
A one-page reference sheet covering number bases, signed representation, logic gates, and the three control structures, plus three flowchart-pseudocode pairs
Programming Fundamentals and Problem Solving & Programming in a High-Level Language (Python/C++)
Translate pseudocode into working Python or C++ for at least five problems
Use variables, data types, input/output, and arithmetic operators correctly in the chosen language
Implement if/elif/else and nested conditions to solve grading and classification problems
Write for and while loops with correct initialization, condition, and update to avoid infinite loops
Trace code by hand to predict output before running it
Your checkpoint
A folder of 8 working programs (conditions and loops) with hand-traced expected output saved alongside each, and a short log of every bug found and fixed
Programming Fundamentals and Problem Solving & Programming in a High-Level Language (Python/C++)
Decompose problems into functions/procedures with parameters and return values
Implement linear search, binary search, and simple bubble sort from scratch
Use lists/arrays and strings to store and process collections of values
Explain time-cost intuition for linear vs binary search in plain words
Your checkpoint
A single program file containing working search and sort functions plus a test harness that runs them on at least three input cases, including an empty and a single-element list
Data Handling, Files and Databases & Computer Hardware, Software and Operating System Basics
Read from and write to text files (open, read, write, append, close) with error handling
Parse a CSV-style file into records and compute summary statistics
Write and run basic SQL: SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, INSERT, UPDATE, and simple JOIN
Describe how the OS manages files, processes, and memory, and compare common OS families
Differentiate system software from application software with examples
Your checkpoint
A small program that reads a CSV file of at least 20 records, computes totals/averages, writes a summary file, and is mirrored by a set of 8 SQL queries against an equivalent table
Computer Networks and Internet Basics
Classify networks by scale (PAN, LAN, MAN, WAN) and by topology, with one advantage and drawback each
Explain the roles of IP address, subnet mask, MAC address, DNS, DHCP, and default gateway
Trace a URL request from browser to server and back, naming each protocol involved
Distinguish TCP from UDP and identify which common services use each
Compare wired, Wi-Fi, and mobile data access in terms of speed, cost, and reliability
Your checkpoint
A labelled diagram of a home/school network plus a written walkthrough of loading one web page that names at least six protocols and the device or service handling each step
Cyber Safety, Ethics and Digital Citizenship & Emerging Technologies and Applications of Computing
Identify phishing, malware, ransomware, and social-engineering attempts from written scenarios and state the correct response
Apply password, authentication, backup, and patch-management practices to a described situation
Explain legal and ethical issues: plagiarism, copyright, software licensing, and responsible online conduct
Describe how AI, cloud computing, IoT, and blockchain are used, with one realistic benefit and one risk each
Your checkpoint
A two-part written brief: a 10-scenario cyber-safety response table (threat, red flag, action) and a half-page evaluation of two emerging technologies with benefits and risks
Practical/Laboratory Skills and Project Work & Programming Fundamentals and Problem Solving & Programming in a High-Level Language (Python/C++)
Complete a timed full-length mock paper under exam conditions and score it by domain
Rebuild the two weakest domain areas using targeted notes and 15 practice items each
Assemble a small project (program plus short report) demonstrating input, processing, file storage, and output
Rehearse explaining code and design decisions aloud in under two minutes
Your checkpoint
A scored mock exam with a per-domain error log, plus a finished mini-project (source file, sample data, and a one-page report) submitted for self-review
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 25-item quiz on number systems, data representation, and logic; any missed item is rewritten correctly in the notes
Week 4: All 8 week-3 programs and the search/sort harness run without errors, and you can hand-trace a 10-line loop correctly on the first attempt
Week 6: The CSV program and 8 SQL queries produce matching results, and the network walkthrough diagram names every protocol without notes
Week 8: Mock exam total is at least 65% with no single domain below 50%; the mini-project runs end to end on a fresh input file