Q4W12 - Next Step

Cambridge IGCSE
Computer Science

By Mr. Torres

Section 1

Computer Systems

​1 Data representation
2 Data transmission
3 Hardware
4 Software
5 The internet and its uses
6 Automated and emerging technologies

Paper 1

​Paper 1 1 hour 45 minutes
Computer Systems 50%
75 marks
Short-answer and structured questions
Questions will be based on Topics 1–6 of the subject content
All questions are compulsory
No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

Section 2

Algorithms, Programming and Logic

7 Algorithm design and problem-solving
8 Programming
9 Databases
10 Boolean logic

Paper 2

​Paper 2 1 hour 45 minutes
Algorithms, Programming and Logic 50%
75 marks
Short-answer and structured questions and a scenario-based question
Questions will be based on Topics 7–10 of the subject content
All questions are compulsory
No calculators are permitted

Externally assessed

Requirements

Mathematical Requirement

Calculators are not permitted in IGCSE Computer Science examinations.
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

Prior Knowledge

We (Cambridge) recommend that learners starting this course should have studied a broad curriculum such as the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme or equivalent national educational framework

​Stage 8
Guided Learning Hours
60

​Stage 9
Guided Learning Hours
45

​IGCSE Section 1
Guided Learning Hours
130

​IGCSE Section 2
Guided Learning Hours
130

Road Map - Computer Science

​Computing Grade 7

​Computing Grade 8

​ComSci Grade 9

​ComSci Grade 10

Guided Learning Hours

We design Cambridge O Level syllabuses to require about 130 guided learning hours for each subject. This is for guidance only. The number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary according to each school and the learners’ previous experience of the subject

​1. A software developer is using a microphone to collect various sounds for his new game. He is also using a sound editing app.
When collecting sounds, the software developer can decide on the sampling resolution he wishes to use.

​a i. What is meant by sampling resolution?
ii. Describe how sampling resolution will affect how accurate the stored digitised sound will be.

The software developer will include images in his new game.

b. i. Explain the term image resolution.
ii. The software developer is using 16-colour bitmap images. How many bits
would be used to encode data for one pixel of his image?
iii. One of his images is 16 384 pixels wide and 512 pixels high. He decides to save
it as a 256-colour bitmap image. Calculate the size of the image file in gibibytes.
iv. Describe any file compression techniques the developer may use

​Exam Style Questions

God be with you
You will need Him

​Mark 9:23