Paper 2 Guidance (Cambridge International IGCSE Computer Science)

What is examined in the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?

• It primarily focuses on the concepts of computational thinking, algorithm design, programming, and Boolean logic

• The main focus of this paper is on the following topics:

  • **Topic 7: **Algorithm design and problem-solving
  • **Topic 8: **Programming
  • **Topic 9: **Databases
  • Topic 10: Boolean logic

• The paper's duration is** 1 hour and 45 minutes**

• The total number of marks available is** 75**

• Paper 2 represents** 50% of the total IGCSE qualification**

Assessment structure and questions:

• This is a written paper consisting of short-answer and structured questions

• All questions are compulsory, and candidates must answer directly on the question paper

• Calculators are not permitted in this examination

• The paper assesses assessment objectives (AO) AO1, AO2, and AO3:

  • AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding): Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of computer science principles and concepts
  • AO2 (Application): Applying knowledge and understanding to a given context, including the analysis and design of computational or programming problems
  • AO3 (Solution Provision): Providing solutions by evaluating computer systems, making reasoned judgments, and presenting conclusions

Scenario question:

• The final question in Paper 2 is an unseen scenario question worth 15 marks
• Candidates will be required to write an algorithm using pseudocode or program code for the given context
• It is expected that candidates spend 30 minutes answering this question

Programming and algorithmic responses:

• Knowledge of programming language syntax is not examined; the logic is considered more important than the syntax
• When responding with pseudocode, learners are not expected to memorise the exact syntax shown in the syllabus guide, but their answers should be inferable by a competent programmer
• The general style for pseudocode will use keywords in uppercase (e.g., IF, REPEAT, PROCEDURE), and identifiers in mixed case (e.g., NumberOfPlayers)
• Standard flowchart symbols must be used by students when drawing flowcharts
• Standard logic gate symbols must be used by students when drawing logic circuits

Mathematical requirements:

• Candidates should be able to:

  • Add, subtract, multiply, and divide
  • Use averages, random numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, and ratios
  • Use both positive and negative integers, and real numbers
  • Use arithmetic and Boolean operators
  • Use different number systems, including binary, denary, and hexadecimal
  • Use methods of counting, totalling, and rounding

Key considerations for students:

• Develop strong computational thinking skills, including abstraction and decomposition
• Practice designing, writing, testing, and debugging programs extensively
• Focus on the logic of algorithms and programs, rather than memorising exact syntax
• Be prepared to write algorithms in pseudocode or program code
• Understand and apply standard algorithms for searching (linear, binary) and sorting (bubble, insertion)
• Familiarise yourself with the specified pseudocode, flowchart symbols, and logic gate symbols in the syllabus