JCE Computer Studies study plan

Trace the fetch-decode-execute cycle and label the roles of the ALU, control unit, registers and buses on a self-drawn diagram

Compare RAM, ROM, cache and secondary storage by speed, volatility and typical capacity, and justify a storage choice for a given scenario

Convert between binary, denary and hexadecimal for 8-bit and 16-bit values without a calculator, showing working

Perform two's complement addition and subtraction on signed 8-bit integers and detect overflow

Calculate file sizes and storage requirements from given bit depths, sample rates and resolutions

Encode and decode ASCII and Unicode characters and explain why Unicode is needed for multilingual text

Represent negative and fractional numbers using sign-and-magnitude, two's complement and floating-point mantissa/exponent notation

Apply logic gates AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR to complete truth tables and simplify simple Boolean expressions

Write pseudocode for sequence, selection and iteration using standard constructs, then trace it line by line with a trace table

Distinguish syntax, logic and runtime errors and state the type of error in given short code samples

Design algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode for searching (linear and binary) and sorting (bubble and insertion)

Compare the efficiency of linear versus binary search and bubble versus insertion sort on given data sets

Decompose a problem into subprograms and write functions/procedures with parameters and return values

Use one-dimensional arrays and file handling in pseudocode to read, process and write simple records

Validate input using range checks, type checks and presence checks, and test programs with normal, boundary and erroneous data

Explain the roles of router, switch, hub, NIC, modem and access point in a named network topology

Compare LAN, WAN, client-server and peer-to-peer models and recommend one for a described small business

Describe packet switching, IP addressing (IPv4 structure, public vs private) and the function of DNS and DHCP

Distinguish the TCP/IP layers and match protocols (HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IMAP) to their purposes and default ports

Explain wired versus wireless transmission media and factors affecting signal quality and bandwidth

Identify common network threats (phishing, malware, DoS, man-in-the-middle, brute force) and match each to a specific countermeasure

Explain encryption, firewalls, authentication (passwords, two-factor) and safe browsing practices in the context of a home or school network

Describe legal and ethical responsibilities around data protection, acceptable use and intellectual property in a school or workplace

Evaluate physical safety and ergonomic risks of computer use and propose practical controls

Analyse a short incident scenario and recommend layered defences with justification

Compare operating system types (batch, real-time, single-user, multi-user, distributed) and match each to a use case

Explain memory management, virtual memory, paging, scheduling and interrupt handling at an introductory level

Distinguish system software from application software and describe the role of translators (compiler, interpreter, assembler)

Model a relational database for a given scenario, identifying entities, attributes, primary and foreign keys, and relationships

Write SQL queries using SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, JOIN and aggregate functions, and explain the purpose of normalisation to third normal form

Explain how data is validated and verified on entry and describe file organisation methods (serial, sequential, indexed sequential, random)

Describe the components and use of a spreadsheet model, including absolute and relative cell references, formulas, functions, sorting and chart selection

Use word processing features (styles, mail merge, tables of contents) and presentation design principles for a specified audience

Compare flat-file and relational approaches and explain the risks of data redundancy and inconsistency

Evaluate the suitability of a given application package for a stated task and justify the choice

Describe current and emerging technologies (cloud computing, AI and machine learning, IoT, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality) and give one realistic benefit and one risk for each

Discuss social, economic and environmental impacts of technology, including the digital divide, automation and e-waste

Review weak areas from weeks 1-7 using a personal error log and re-attempt missed question types

Complete two timed mixed-topic practice papers under exam conditions and mark them against the mark scheme

Produce a final one-page summary of formulas, definitions and command words to revise in the last 48 hours