Paper 2 Gudiance (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science): Revision Note

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