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Notes

Paper 1 Overview

Focuses on **fundamental principles** of computer systems (Topics 1–6).
Duration: **1 hour 45 minutes**, 75 marks, **50%** of total IGCSE.
Written paper with **short-answer and structured questions**; all compulsory.
Assesses **AO1** (knowledge), **AO2** (application), **AO3** (evaluation/conclusions).
Calculators **not permitted**; covers grades A×–G.
Questions set in **everyday ICT contexts**.

Paper 1 Content Topics

**Topic 1**: Data Representation (binary, denary, hexadecimal, images, sound).
**Topic 2**: Data Transmission (serial, parallel, protocols, error detection).
**Topic 3**: Hardware (CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices).
**Topic 4**: Software (operating systems, utilities, translators).
**Topic 5**: The Internet and its Uses (IP addresses, DNS, cookies, cloud).
**Topic 6**: Automated and Emerging Technologies (robotics, AI).

Paper 1 Key Skills

Apply **mathematical skills**: arithmetic, Boolean operators, number systems.
Understand **command words**: Calculate, Compare, Define, Describe, Explain, Identify, State.
No prior study expected; all content taught in course.

Paper 2 Overview

Focuses on **computational thinking, algorithms, programming, Boolean logic** (Topics 7–10).
Duration: **1 hour 45 minutes**, 75 marks, **50%** of total IGCSE.
Written paper with **short-answer and structured questions**; all compulsory.
Assesses **AO1, AO2, AO3** (same as Paper 1).
Calculators **not permitted**.

Paper 2 Content Topics

**Topic 7**: Algorithm design and problem-solving (flowcharts, pseudocode, searching/sorting).
**Topic 8**: Programming (variables, loops, arrays, procedures).
**Topic 9**: Databases (tables, queries, SQL).
**Topic 10**: Boolean logic (logic gates, truth tables, logic circuits).

Paper 2 Scenario Question

Final question is an **unseen scenario** worth **15 marks**.
Candidates write an **algorithm in pseudocode or program code**.
Expected time: **30 minutes**.
Logic is more important than exact syntax; answers must be **inferable by a competent programmer**.

Paper 2 Key Skills

Use **standard flowchart symbols** and **logic gate symbols**.
Pseudocode: keywords in **UPPERCASE** (e.g., IF, REPEAT), identifiers in **mixed case** (e.g., NumberOfPlayers).
Apply **computational thinking**: abstraction, decomposition.
Know standard algorithms: **linear search, binary search, bubble sort, insertion sort**.
Mathematical skills: averages, random numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, integers, real numbers, arithmetic/Boolean operators, number systems, counting, totalling, rounding.

Assessment Objectives (Both Papers)

**AO1**: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts.
**AO2**: Apply knowledge and understanding to analyse problems.
**AO3**: Provide solutions by evaluating, making judgments, and presenting conclusions.

Example series circuit diagram (Paper 2 may include logic circuits or flowcharts; this illustrates a simple circuit).

Practice questions

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1.How many marks is Paper 1 of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exam worth?
Easy
- A75
- B50
- C100
- D150
2.What percentage of the total IGCSE qualification does Paper 2 represent?
Easy
- A50%
- B25%
- C75%
- D100%
3.What is the duration of Paper 1?
Easy
- A1 hour 45 minutes
- B2 hours
- C1 hour 30 minutes
- D2 hours 15 minutes
4.Which assessment objective involves applying knowledge and understanding to analyse problems?
Medium
- AAO2
- BAO1
- CAO3
- DAO4
5.In Paper 2, how many marks is the final unseen scenario question worth?
Hard
- A15
- B10
- C20
- D25
6.Which of the following is NOT a topic assessed in Paper 1?
Medium
- ADatabases
- BData Representation
- CHardware
- DThe Internet and its Uses
7.Are calculators permitted in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science examinations?
Easy
- ANo
- BYes
- COnly in Paper 2
- DOnly in Paper 1
8.Which of the following is a key consideration for students in Paper 2 regarding pseudocode?
Hard
- AKeywords should be in uppercase and identifiers in mixed case
- BExact syntax must be memorised
- CFlowchart symbols are optional
- DLogic is less important than syntax

Slides

Overview of IGCSE Computer Science Exams

You take two written papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 75 marks.
Together they make up 100% of your IGCSE grade (50% each).
Calculators are not allowed in either paper.

How many marks is each paper worth?

50 marks
75 marks
100 marks
150 marks

Paper 1: Computer Systems

Covers topics 1–6: Data Representation, Data Transmission, Hardware, Software, The Internet and its Uses, Automated and Emerging Technologies.
Contains short-answer and structured questions.
Assesses AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application), and AO3 (evaluation).
Questions are set in everyday ICT contexts.

Which of these are assessed in Paper 1?

Data Representation
Algorithm Design
Hardware
Boolean Logic

Paper 2: Algorithmic & Programming Concepts

Covers topics 7–10: Algorithm design, Programming, Databases, Boolean logic.
Includes a 15-mark scenario question where you write an algorithm.
You can use pseudocode or program code – logic matters more than syntax.
Flowcharts and logic circuits must use standard symbols.

What is the final question in Paper 2 worth?

5 marks
10 marks
15 marks
20 marks

Command Words & Mathematical Skills

Command words like Calculate, Define, Explain, State tell you what to do.
You need arithmetic, Boolean operators, binary/denary/hexadecimal, averages, percentages, etc.
No prior study is expected – the course is self-contained.

In Paper 2, when writing pseudocode, keywords should be in ____ and identifiers in mixed case.

Assessment Objectives (AOs)

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles and concepts.
AO2: Apply knowledge to analyse problems.
AO3: Evaluate, make judgments, and present conclusions.

Which AO involves applying knowledge to analyse problems?

Key Tips for Success

Practice writing algorithms and debugging code.
Know standard algorithms: linear search, binary search, bubble sort, insertion sort.
Use standard flowchart and logic gate symbols.
Focus on logic, not memorising exact syntax.

Which of these is NOT a topic in Paper 2?

Algorithm design
Data Transmission
Programming
Boolean logic

Paper Structure Summary

Both papers: 1h45m, 75 marks, no calculator.
Paper 1: theory of computer systems (topics 1–6).
Paper 2: computational thinking, algorithms, programming (topics 7–10).
All questions are compulsory – answer directly on the paper.

Paper 1 assesses topics 1 to ____, while Paper 2 assesses topics 7 to 10.

Flashcards

What is the duration of Paper 1 and Paper 2 in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exam?

Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are 1 hour and 45 minutes long.

How many marks are available in each paper?

Each paper has a maximum of 75 marks.

What percentage of the total IGCSE qualification does each paper represent?

Each paper represents 50% of the total IGCSE qualification.

What topics are assessed in Paper 1?

Paper 1 covers Topics 1–6: Data Representation, Data Transmission, Hardware, Software, The Internet and its Uses, and Automated and Emerging Technologies.

What topics are assessed in Paper 2?

Paper 2 covers Topics 7–10: Algorithm design and problem-solving, Programming, Databases, and Boolean logic.

What types of questions are on Paper 1 and Paper 2?

Both papers consist of short-answer and structured questions. All questions are compulsory and answered directly on the question paper.

Are calculators permitted in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exams?

No, calculators are not permitted in either Paper 1 or Paper 2.

What are the three assessment objectives (AOs) assessed in the exams?

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding; AO2: Apply knowledge to analyse problems; AO3: Provide solutions by evaluating, making judgments, and presenting conclusions.

What is the final question in Paper 2?

The final question is an unseen scenario question worth 15 marks, requiring candidates to write an algorithm using pseudocode or program code.

How much time is recommended for the final scenario question in Paper 2?

Candidates are expected to spend 30 minutes answering the final scenario question.

Is knowledge of programming language syntax examined in Paper 2?

No, the logic of algorithms and programs is considered more important than syntax.

What style should pseudocode use according to the syllabus?

Keywords in uppercase (e.g., IF, REPEAT, PROCEDURE) and identifiers in mixed case (e.g., NumberOfPlayers).

What symbols must be used when drawing flowcharts and logic circuits?

Standard flowchart symbols and standard logic gate symbols must be used.

What mathematical skills are candidates expected to apply?

Arithmetic, Boolean operators, number systems (binary, denary, hexadecimal), counting, totalling, rounding, averages, random numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, ratios, positive/negative integers, and real numbers.

What command words are used in the exams?

Command words include Calculate, Compare, Define, Describe, Explain, Identify, State.

What is the focus of Paper 1?

Paper 1 focuses on fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems.

What is the focus of Paper 2?

Paper 2 focuses on computational thinking, algorithm design, programming, and Boolean logic.

What is the grade range assessed by the papers?

The papers assess the full grade range from A×to G.

Are candidates expected to have prior study for this course?

No prior study is expected for this course.

What computational thinking skills should candidates develop?

Abstraction and decomposition, as well as designing, writing, testing, and debugging programs.

What standard algorithms should candidates be familiar with?

Searching algorithms (linear, binary) and sorting algorithms (bubble, insertion).

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