IGCSE Computer Science
IGCSE Computer Science
0478
Science
I n t ro d u c ti o n
Course Details Teaching
Syllabus Teams Classes
Computer systems
• 1 Data representation
• 2 Data transmission
• 3 Hardware
• 4 Software
• 5 The internet and its uses
• 6 Automated and emerging technologies
Discussion
spend 5 minutes identifying three
areas of the syllabus you feel you
teach most successfully and the
reasons that allow you to be
successful.
Programming
Discuss about different methods
and the most effective way to
teach programming
• All candidates take two components. Candidates will be eligible for
grades A* to G.
Paper 1
• Computer Systems
ASSESSME • Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks
OVERVIEW • All questions are compulsory, and candidates answer on the question
paper.
• This paper assesses all assessment objectives, AO1, AO2 and AO3, and
assesses the full grade range, A* to G.
• This paper is externally assessed.
• Calculators are not allowed in this examination.
Paper 2
• Written paper, 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks
• This question paper consists of short-answer and structured questions
set on Topics 7–10 of the subject content.
• All questions are compulsory, and candidates answer on the question
paper.
• The questions require candidates to have practical programming
ASSESSME experience.
• Knowledge of programming language syntax is not examined; in all
NT cases the logic is more important than the syntax.
• This paper assesses all assessment objectives, AO1, AO2 and AO3, and
OVERVIEW assesses the full grade range, A* to G.
• This paper is externally assessed.
• Calculators are not allowed in this examination.
• Scenario question
• The final question in Paper 2 is a 15-mark unseen scenario question.
• Candidates will be required to write an algorithm using pseudocode or
program code for the context provided.
• It is expected that candidates should spend 30 minutes answering this
question.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
AO1
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science.
AO2
• Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science to a given
context, including the analysis and design of computational or programming problems.
AO3
• Provide solutions to problems by:
• evaluating computer systems
• making reasoned judgements
• presenting conclusions.
WEIGHTING FOR ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
AO1 40
AO2 40
AO3 20
WEIGHTING FOR ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES
AO1 P1 : 60 P2: 20
AO2 P1 : 20 P2: 60
AO3 P1 : 20 P2: 20
SPECIMEN PAPERS
Specimen Paper 1
Specimen Paper 1 MS
Specimen Paper 2
Specimen Paper 2 MS
HELPFUL MATERIALS
Grade Thresholds
Examiner Report
Learner’s Guide
Teacher’s Guide
Scheme of Work
Example Candidate Responses paper 1
Example Candidate Responses paper 2
BOOKS