Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 - CIE Notes

[Pages:24]Cambridge Secondary 2

Syllabus

Cambridge IGCSE? Computer Science 0478

For examination in June and November 2017, 2018 and 2019. Also available for examination in March 2017, 2018 and 2019 for India only.

Version 3

This syllabus is regulated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as a Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificate (QN: 601/3120/2).

Why choose Cambridge?

Cambridge International Examinations prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. We are part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Our international qualifications are recognised by the world's best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organisation, we devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that can unlock students' potential. Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for learners to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources. Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications for school education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged ? equipped for success in the modern world. Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future with an international education from Cambridge.

`We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.'

Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA

Quality management

Our systems for managing the provision of international qualifications and education programmes for students aged 5 to 19 are certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard for quality management, ISO 9001:2008. Learn more at .uk/ISO9001

? Cambridge International Examinations, 2016. Cambridge International Examinations retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered Centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a Centre.

Contents

1 Why choose this syllabus? ............................................................................ 2

Key benefits

2

Recognition and progression

3

Supporting teachers

3

2 Syllabus overview ......................................................................................... 4

Aims

4

Content

5

Assessment

6

3 Subject content .............................................................................................. 7

Section 1 Theory of Computer Science

7

Section 2 Practical Problem-solving and Programming

12

4 Details of the assessment ........................................................................... 14

Component 1 ? Paper 1 Theory

14

Component 2 ? Paper 2 Problem-solving and Programming

14

Paper 2 ? Problem-solving and Programming pre-release material

14

Notes for guidance

15

5 Assessment objectives ................................................................................ 16

6 What else you need to know ...................................................................... 17

Before you start

17

Making entries

18

After the exam

19

Grade descriptions

20

Changes to this syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019

21

Changes to this syllabus

For information about changes to this syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019, go to page 21.

The latest syllabus is version 3, published October 2016. There are no significant changes which affect teaching.

Any textbooks endorsed to support the syllabus for examination from 2015 are still suitable for use with this syllabus.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

1 Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

Cambridge IGCSE? syllabuses are created especially for international students. For over 25 years, we have worked with schools and teachers worldwide to develop syllabuses that are suitable for different countries, different types of schools and for learners with a wide range of abilities.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science learners study the principles and practices of computing and gain confidence in computational thinking and programming. They learn to program by writing computer code and they develop their understanding of the main principles of problem solving using computers.

Learners apply their understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. They also develop a range of technical skills, as well as the ability to test effectively and to evaluate computing solutions.

This qualification helps learners appreciate current and emerging computing technologies and the benefits of their use. They learn to recognise the ethical issues and potential risks when using computers.

Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science is an ideal foundation for further study in Computer Science. Understanding the principles of Computer Science provides learners with the underpinning knowledge required for many other subjects in science and engineering, and the skills learnt can also be used in everyday life.

Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.

Our approach encourages learners to be:

Responsible

Confident

Cambridge learners

Reflective

Engaged

Innovative

`The strength of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications is internationally recognised and has provided an international pathway for our students to continue their studies around the world.'

Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019. Why choose this syllabus?

Recognition and progression

The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science, or the equivalent.

Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs to meet their entry requirements.

Learn more at .uk/recognition

Supporting teachers

We provide a wide range of practical resources, detailed guidance and innovative training and professional development so that you can give your learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE.

Teaching resources

Exam preparation resources

? Syllabus

? Question papers

? Scheme of work

? Mark schemes

? Learner guide

? Example candidate responses to

? Endorsed textbooks and digital resources

understand what examiners are looking

? Teacher support teachers..uk

for at key grades

? Discussion forum

?Examiner reports to improve future teaching

? Resource List

Support for

Cambridge

IGCSE

Training

Community

? Face-to-face workshops around the world

? Online self-study training ? Online tutor-led training ? Professional development qualifications

Community forum teachers..uk LinkedIn linkd.in/cambridgeteacher Twitter @cie_education Facebook .uk

`Cambridge IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. It is very popular in Egypt because it provides the perfect preparation for success at advanced level programmes.'

Mrs Omnia Kassabgy, Managing Director of British School in Egypt BSE

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019.

2 Syllabus overview

Aims

The syllabus aims summarise the context in which you should view the syllabus content and describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. They are not listed in order of priority.

The aims are to develop: ? computational thinking, that is thinking about what can be computed and how, and includes

consideration of the data required ? understanding of the main principles of solving problems by using computers ? understanding that every computer system is made up of sub-systems, which in turn consist of

further sub-systems ? understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including

software, data, hardware, communications and people ? skills necessary to apply understanding to solve computer-based problems using a high-level

programming language.

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019. Syllabus overview

Content

Sections Section 1 Theory of computer science

Section 2 Practical problem-solving and programming

Topics

1.1 Data representation 1.1.1 Binary systems 1.1.2 Hexadecimal 1.1.3 Data storage

1.2 Communication and Internet technologies 1.2.1 Data transmission 1.2.2 Security aspects 1.2.3 Internet principles of operation

1.3 Hardware and software 1.3.1 Logic gates 1.3.2 Computer architecture and the fetchexecute cycle 1.3.3 Input devices 1.3.4 Output devices 1.3.5 Memory, storage devices and media 1.3.6 Operating systems 1.3.7 High- and low-level languages and their translators

1.4 Security 1.5 Ethics

2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving 2.1.1 Problem-solving and design 2.1.2 Pseudocode and flowcharts

2.2 Programming 2.2.1 Programming concepts 2.2.2 Data structures; arrays

2.3 Databases

Teacher support for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science

We provide a wide range of support resources to give your learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. Support for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science includes a Teacher Guide, Example Candidate Responses and a Scheme of Work. These and other resources are available online through Teacher Support at

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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 syllabus for 2017, 2018 and 2019. Syllabus overview

Assessment

All candidates take two papers.

All candidates take:

Paper 1 Theory

1 hour 45 minutes 60%

75 marks

Short answer and structured questions

Questions will be based on section 1 of the Subject content

All questions are compulsory

No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

11

and:

Paper 2

1 hour 45 minutes

Problem-solving and

40%

Programming

50 marks

Short answer and structured questions

Questions will be based on section 2 of the Subject content

All questions are compulsory

20 marks are from questions set on the pre-release material1

No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

1The pre-release material for Paper 2 Problem-solving and Programming is made available to Centres shortly after the estimated entries deadline for the June and November examinations. For the March examination it will be made available to Centres shortly after the 0478 Computer Science final entries deadline. It is also reproduced in the question paper. Candidates must not bring any prepared material into the examination.

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