3.1 Course Structure

Knowness courses are organised into five main levels:

Course → Section → Module → Lesson → Topic

Modules can also contain a Module Review, which sits alongside lessons at the end of the module.

For example:

GCSE Computer Science (OCR)

• 1. Computer Systems
  • 1.1 Systems Architecture
    • 1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU
      • The Purpose of the CPU

1. Course

A course is the complete programme of study for a subject.

For example:

GCSE Computer Science (OCR)

A course contains all of the sections, modules, lessons, and topics needed for that subject.

For GCSE courses, Knowness follows the relevant exam board specification as closely as possible. Every point in the specification is covered and mapped to the appropriate lesson and topic within the course.

2. Section

A section is a major part of the course.

For example:

1. Computer Systems

For GCSE courses, sections usually correspond to the highest level of the exam board specification. This is often, but not always, aligned with an individual exam paper or component.

Sections help divide the course into the main areas of study defined by the specification.

3. Module

A module sits within a section and groups together related lessons.

For example:

1.1 Systems Architecture

Modules generally follow the next level of the specification hierarchy and organise closely related content into smaller groups.

4. Lesson

A lesson sits within a module and focuses on a specific area of the course.

For example:

1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU

Lessons are mapped directly to the specification wherever possible.

Sometimes, a specification unit contains too much content to fit naturally into a single lesson. In these cases, Knowness may split it into multiple lessons while still covering every specification point.

For example, the OCR J277 specification unit 2.1.3 Searching and Sorting Algorithms is split on Knowness into:

• 2.1.3 Searching Algorithms
• 2.1.4 Sorting Algorithms

This keeps lessons focused and manageable without removing or changing the required specification content.

5. Topic

A topic is a smaller part of a lesson.

For example:

The Purpose of the CPU

Topics break a lesson into individual concepts or specification points, making it easier to work through the content in smaller steps.

Each specification point is mapped to the relevant lesson and topic, so students can see how the content they are learning relates back to the official course requirements.

This structure allows Knowness to stay closely aligned to the specification while keeping lessons clear, focused, and easy to work through.

6. Module Review

A Module Review sits within a module at the same hierarchical level as a lesson.

It appears at the end of the module and brings together content from all of the lessons within that module.

For example:

1.1 Systems Architecture

• 1.1.1 Architecture of the CPU
• 1.1.2 CPU Performance
• 1.1.3 Embedded Systems
• Module Review

The Module Review provides a combined place to review the module's:

• Summary: Key knowledge from all lessons in the module.
• Revision: Flashcards and exercises from across the module.
• Glossary: Key terms and definitions used throughout the module.
• References: External sources used within the module, where applicable.

The Summary and Revision tabs remain locked until all lessons within the module have been completed.

Module Review does not introduce a new level beneath a lesson. It is a separate item within the module that helps students consolidate everything they have learned before moving on.