Singapore–Cambridge General Certificate of Education

Ordinary Level (2024)

Computing
(Syllabus 7155)

© MOE & UCLES 2022

 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

CONTENTS
Page
AIMS 3
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES 3
SCHEME OF EXAMINATION 3
SPECIFICATION GRID 5
USE OF CALCULATOR 5
CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LAB-BASED EXAMINATION 5
CONTENT OUTLINE 5
LEARNING OUTCOMES 6
QUICK REFERENCE FOR PYTHON 15

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

AIMS
The syllabus aims to provide students with the foundation to continue with further studies in computing and
skills to participate in a rapidly changing technological environment so that the concepts and skills learnt would
also be applicable in other fields that require computing.
Specifically, the two-year course at upper secondary level is to enable students to

1. Apply logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking in analysing problem situations and developing solutions
2. Develop simple program through the use of appropriate programming language(s)
3. Understand how and where information communications technology (ICT) is used in daily life
4. Understand and explain the ethical, social and economic issues associated with ICT.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) refers broadly to technology involving computing devices,
software and other hardware. The computer science concepts and skills behind ICT will also be taught where
appropriate.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
The examination will assess:

(a) Knowledge and understanding of basic computing technology and systems, concepts, algorithms,
techniques and tools.

(b) Application of knowledge and understanding to analyse and solve computing problems.

(c) Development, testing and refinement of solutions using appropriate software application(s) and/or
programming language(s).

Students can handle and process data in computer systems, as well as the need to be ethical when dealing with
data. They will demonstrate problem-solving techniques through analysing and writing programming solutions
for a range of computing problems in business, education, mathematics and science. Students will be able to
demonstrate computational thinking through the design and development of programming solutions.

SCHEME OF EXAMINATION
All candidates will offer Paper 1 and Paper 2. All questions are compulsory in both papers.

Paper 1 (Written examination, 2 hours)

This paper tests knowledge, understanding and application of concepts and skills in all the four modules.
The questions consist of a mixture of:

• short answer questions

• matching questions
• cloze passage
• structured questions

This paper carries 70% of the total marks, and is marked out of 80 marks.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

Paper 2 (Lab-Based Examination, 2 hours 30 minutes)

This paper, taken with the use of a computer, spreadsheet and programming1 software, tests Module 1 (Unit
1.1: Data Management) and Module 4 (Programming). Four structured questions will be set based on the
following topics:

• Use of Spreadsheet functions and features

• Refinement of program
• Debugging of program
• Development of program of no more than 40 lines

Development of program will carry 20 marks. The remaining three questions average 10 marks.

A quick reference for Python will be provided for candidates.

Candidates will submit soft copies of the required work for marking. The allotted time includes time for saving
the required work in the candidates’ computer. This paper carries 30% of the total marks, and is marked out of
50 marks.

Summary details for each paper:

Paper Mode Duration Weighting Marks Format Modules

Assessed

1 Written 2h 70% 80 A mixture of All the four

• Short answer modules
questions
• Matching questions
• Cloze passage
• Structured questions

2 Lab- 2 h 30 min 30% 50 4 compulsory structured Unit 1.1 Data

based questions Management
• Use of Spreadsheet from module 1
functions and features
• Refinement of Module 4:
program Programming
• Debugging of program
• Development of
program with no more
than 40 lines of code

Development of program
will carry 20 marks. The
remaining three questions
average 10 marks.

A quick reference for

Python will be provided for
candidates.

1
The centre will be required to declare the version of the programming language to be used for the examination
before the centre begins teaching the course for the cohort taking the examination.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

SPECIFICATION GRID

Assessment Objectives Paper 1 Paper 2 Overall

(a) Knowledge and understanding ~35% ~5% 40%

(b) Application ~25% ~5% 30%

(c) Development, testing and refinement ~10% ~20% 30%

TOTAL 70% 30% 100%

USE OF CALCULATOR
An approved calculator may be used in Paper 1 and Paper 2.

CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LAB-BASED EXAMINATION

The centre will ensure adequate hardware and software facilities to support the examination of its candidates for
Paper 2, which will be administered over at most two shifts on the day of the examination. Each candidate
should have the sole use of a personal computer for the purpose of the examination. Candidates should be able
to access Spreadsheet application software and programming language software. The centre will be required to
declare the name and version number of the software to be used for the cohort sitting for the examination at
least two years before the cohort sits for the examination.

CONTENT OUTLINE
The syllabus consists of four modules: (1) Data and Information, (2) Systems and Communications,
(3) Abstraction and Algorithms, and (4) Programming.

MODULE 1 – DATA AND INFORMATION

This module is about the handling and processing of data in computer systems, and the need to be ethical when
dealing with data. Students should be able to identify different types of data, understand and explain what the
data is for, and explain how the data is represented or organised for processing and output with reference to a
given problem. Students will be more aware of ethical issues with respect to data, including privacy of data.

MODULE 2 – SYSTEMS AND COMMUNICATIONS

This module is about systems involving computer technology and computing devices. Students will learn the
inter-relationships between parts and whole of a system; as well as the functions of parts of systems in enabling
communications between human and computing device (machine), machine and machine, and within a
machine.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

MODULE 3 – ABSTRACTION AND ALGORITHMS

This module is about problem solving and how a problem may be solved by breaking it into smaller,
manageable parts and solving all the smaller parts. An algorithm describes a solution for the problem that is
independent of a programming language and may be presented in pseudo-code (where program structures will
be more pronounced) or diagrammatically (flowchart). Students should be able to know the difference between
pseudo-code and flowchart.

MODULE 4 – PROGRAMMING
This module is about application and development of logical thinking and reasoning, as well as problem-solving
skills through the design and development of software solutions using programming language(s). An algorithm
describes a solution independent of a programming language while a programming language depicts the
solution that is workable on a computing device.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
The learning outcomes for each module are as follows:

MODULE 1 – DATA AND INFORMATION

Units

1.1 Data Management

1.2 Data Representation

1.3 Ethical, Social and Economic Issues

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

1.1 Data Management

This section emphasises logical thinking and reasoning through data analysis, data processing and visual
representations of data. Students will use the Spreadsheet application software in hands-on activities to
enhance learning.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

1.1.1 Tabulate data under appropriate column headings (i.e. data field names) and data types
(e.g. numeric, text and date).

Exclude: plotting of charts

1.1.2 Use mathematical operators, functions and what-if data analysis (goal seeking) to prepare
spreadsheets and solve real-world problems such as:
• find the total of a list of numbers, average of a list of numbers, min/max of a list of numbers,
square root of a number, simple interest, remainder after division of numbers
• round values
• randomise values
• convert data from one type to another (e.g. get integer values from decimal values) and
• count number of data items.

Understand and use conditional statements (simple and nested): COUNTIF and IF with relational
and Boolean operators such as AND, NOT and OR.

Include: conditional formatting

Use functions effectively to look up data in rows or columns (horizontal and vertical table lookups) in a
list or table for data processing.

The list of 33 examinable functions are:

Area Function
Date and Time TODAY
Text LEFT, LEN, MID, RIGHT
Logical AND, IF, NOT, OR
Lookup HLOOKUP, VLOOKUP
Mathematical CEILING.MATH, FLOOR.MATH, MOD, POWER, QUOTIENT, RAND,
RANDBETWEEN, ROUND, SQRT, SUM, SUMIF
Statistical AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTBLANK, COUNTIF, LARGE, MAX,
MEDIAN, MIN, MODE.SNGL, SMALL

Students should be able to use absolute and relative cell referencing.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

1.2 Data Representation

This section explains how data is represented internally as binary numbers, how the conversion of data from
one number system to another is done, and where these number systems are used. The number systems
covered here are binary number system, denary number system and hexadecimal number system.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

1.2.1 Represent positive whole numbers in binary form.

1.2.2 Convert positive whole numbers from one number system to another – binary, denary and
hexadecimal, and describe the technique used.

1.2.3 Describe situations in which the number systems are used such as ASCII codes, IP (Internet
Protocol) and Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, and RGB codes.

1.3 Ethical, Social and Economic Issues

This section covers ethical use and security of data in desktop applications or applications on networks like
the internet. Social and economic issues arising from the use of computing technologies are discussed.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

1.3.1 Understand how data can be kept safe from accidental damage due to data corruption or human
errors and malicious actions such as unauthorised viewing, deleting, copying and corrupting or
malware.

1.3.2 Understand the effects of threats to privacy and security of data from spam, spyware, cookies,
phishing, pharming and unauthorised access as well as defensive measures employed such as the
use of appropriate hardware and software.

1.3.3 Describe ethical issues that relate to the use of computers, public/private networks, freeware,
shareware and open courseware; and the sharing of information.

1.3.4 Compare the positive and negative social and economic impacts of technology in education,
communication (e.g. via mobile apps and social media), finance, medicine/healthcare,
transportation and entertainment; and explain plagiarism and software piracy.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

MODULE 2 – SYSTEMS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Units

2.1 Computer Architecture

2.2 Data Communications

2.1 Computer Architecture

This section covers the basic computer architecture and components of a computer network. Students will
understand the purpose of hardware and software required in a computer system or network but they are not
required to know how these work technically.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

2.1.1 Describe basic computer architecture with reference to:

• Computer Processor
• Memory
• Data and address buses
• Input (e.g. data and instructions) and output (e.g. intermediate and final results of processing)
• Storage media

Exclude: fetch and execute cycle

2.1.2 Recognise a logic gate from its truth table and evaluate Boolean statements by means of truth
tables.

2.1.3 Construct the truth tables for given logic circuits (maximum 3 inputs).

2.1.4 Design and construct simple logic circuits using AND, OR, NOT, NAND and NOR.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

2.2 Data Communications

This section uses networks as the context for understanding data communications. Students should have a
general understanding of how data is transmitted and the need to check for data accuracy and have data
security in transmissions.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

2.2. 1 Identify and explain the function of different network hardware: modem, network interface
controller, hub, switch and router.

2.2.2 Describe the difference between wired and wireless networks and explain the factors that will
determine the use of each type of network.

Include: descriptions of LAN/MAN/WAN

2.2.3 Describe the components for a simple home network and design a simple home network.

2.2.4 Compare and contrast client-server and peer-to-peer network strategies with emphasis on:
• Purpose
• Function
• Organisation
• Bandwidth

Include: topology principle of bus, ring and star networks

2.2.5 Explain the use of parity and checksums in data transmission.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

MODULE 3 – ABSTRACTION AND ALGORITHMS

Units

3.1 Problem Analysis

3.2 Algorithm Design

3.1 Problem Analysis

This section covers problem interpretation and analysis. Students will learn how to approach problem solving
in a systematic manner.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

3. 1.1 For a given problem, specify the:

• inputs and the requirements for valid inputs
• outputs and the requirements for correct outputs

Examples
• Business: produce an itemised list of items purchased, cost of each item, total cost
payable (like a receipt) or calculate interest on mortgages and print instalments over a
period of time.
• Education: find and print the student with the top score in each subject or check user
inputs against expected input (like test scoring); find the mean subject grade (MSG) for a
class.
• Scientific/Mathematics: determine whether an input number is odd or even and
whether a number is divisible by another number.
• Entertainment: a number guessing game or any game involving text manipulation.

3.1.2 Solve problems by decomposing them into smaller and manageable parts.

3.1.3 Identify common elements across similar problems and make generalisations.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

3.2 Algorithm Design

This section is about interpreting and understanding algorithms; correcting and writing algorithms for given
problems. Students’ learning will be enhanced through written exercises and class discussions.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

3.2.1 Perform a dry run of a set of steps to determine its purpose and/or output.

3.2.2 Produce trace tables to show values of variables at each stage in a set of steps.

3.2.3 Locate logic errors in an algorithm, and improve or modify an algorithm to remove the
errors or for changes in task specification.

3.2.4 Produce an algorithm to solve a problem, either as a flowchart or in pseudo-code.

The following pseudo-code keywords and constructs should be used:
• INPUT / OUTPUT
• IF… THEN… ELSEIF… ELSE… ENDIF
• WHILE… ENDWHILE
• FOR… NEXT

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

MODULE 4 – PROGRAMMING
Units

4.1 Program Development

4.2 Program Testing

4.1 Program Development

This covers the development of programming solutions (coding) for problem situations. Students will reinforce
their understanding through practical work. Python is the programming language for this syllabus.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

4.1.1 Understand and describe the stages in developing a program: gather requirements, plan
solutions, write code, test and refine code, and deploy code.

4.1.2 Understand and use sequence, selection and iteration constructs to create a program.

4.1.3 Use and justify the use of variables, constants and simple lists in different problem
contexts.

4.1.4 Understand and justify the use of different data types (integers, floating-point numbers, strings,
Booleans, lists) and built-in functions.

4.1.5 Produce programming solution for a given problem to:

• find min/max value in a list
• find average of a list of numeric values
• search for an item in a list and report the result of the search
• find check digits
• find the length of a string of characters
• extract required characters from a string of characters

4.1.6 Write and use user-defined functions.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

4.2 Program Testing

This covers the testing and refinement of programs based on test results. Students will reinforce their
learning and understanding through hands-on practical work. Python is the programming language for this
syllabus.

Ref Learning outcome

Students should be able to:

4.2.1 Identify and justify the use of data validation techniques.

4.2.2 Validate input data for acceptance by performing:

• length check
• range check
• presence check
• format check

4.2.3 Design appropriate test cases to cover normal, error and boundary conditions, and specify what
is being tested for each test case.

4.2.4 Understand and describe types of program errors: syntax, logic and run-time, and explain why
they occur.

4.2.5 Explain how translators are used to detect syntax errors and state the difference between
interpreter and compiler translators.

4. 2.6 Understand and apply debugging techniques to isolate/identify and debug program errors: using
intermittent print statements, walking through or testing a program in small chunks or by parts.

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

Quick Reference For Python

1. Identifiers 6. Assignment

When naming variables, functions, and modules, Assignment

the following rules must be observed: Notes
Statement
a=1 integer
• Names should begin with character ‘a’ – ‘z’
or ‘A’ – ‘Z’ or ‘_’ b=c variable
and followed by alphanumeric characters or d = "This is a string" string
‘_’. mylist = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] list
• Reserved words should not be used.
• User-defined identifiers are case sensitive.
7. Arithmetic Operators
2. Comments and Documentation Strings
Operator Notes
# This is a comment + - plus, subtract
* / multiply, divide
"""
This is a documentation string % remainder or modulus
over multiple lines ** exponential or power
""" // quotient of the floor division

3. Input/Output
8. Relational Operators
print ("This is a string")
Operator Notes
s = input ("Instructions to prompt for data entry.") == equality
!= not equal to
4. Import greater than, greater than or
> >=
equal to
import <module> less than, less than or equal
< <=
to
e.g. import math

9. Boolean Expression
5. Data Type
Boolean Expression Notes
Data Type Notes
a and b logical and
int integer
a or b logical or
float real number
not a logical not
bool boolean
str string (immutable)
list series of values 10. Iteration

while loop for loop

for i in range(n):
while condition(s): <statement(s)>
<statement(s)>
for record in records:
<statement(s)>

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

11. Selection

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3

if condition(s): if condition(s): if condition(s):

<statement(s)> <statement(s)> <statement(s)>
else: elif condition(s):
<statement(s)> <statement(s)>
else:
<statement(s)>

12. Functions

# Function definitions
def <function name> (<parameters>):
<function body>
return <return value>

# Function calls
<function name>(<arguments>)

13. Built-in Functions

(a) Basic functions

abs() chr() float() input() int()

len() max() min() ord() print()
range() round() str() <str>.endswith() <str>.find()
<str>.format() <str>.isalnum() <str>.isalpha() <str>.isdigit() <str>.islower()
<str>.isspace() <str>.isupper() <str>.lower() <str>.split() <str>.startswith()
<str>.upper()

(b) Math module

ceil() floor() pow() sqrt() trunc()

(c) Random module

randint()

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 7155 COMPUTING GCE ORDINARY LEVEL SYLLABUS

14. Reserved Words

Reserved words are part of the syntax of the language. They cannot be used as identifiers.

False None True and as

assert break class continue def
del elif else except finally
for from global if import
in is lambda nonlocal not
or pass raise return try
while with yield

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