The revised IB Computer Science curriculum has shifted its emphasis from software engineering to core computer science principles. This update aligns with the evolving nature of the discipline, incorporating applied computational thinking to solve complex problems. The course has removed pseudocode and replaced it with a choice of Python or Java. Object-oriented programming now plays a significant role in the course and the case study has been integrated into Paper 1, ensuring students engage with relevant topics.

Key Changes to the Course

  • Expanded Core Topics: Databases and machine learning are now core topics in Theme A: Concepts of Computer Science. HL students explore these at greater depth.
  • Programming Focus: Theme B: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving introduces object-oriented programming (Java or Python), along with computational thinking and abstract data types (HL only).
  • Revamped Internal Assessment: Students no longer need a client; instead, they explore a computing-related topic of personal interest and develop a product showcasing their expertise.
  • Case Study Integration: The case study, previously a separate Paper 3, is now incorporated into Paper 1 for both SL and HL, with HL students answering extended response questions.
  • Changes to HL Topics: Resource management and control have been integrated into computer fundamentals, with translation topics added to enhance understanding of compiled vs. interpreted languages.
  • Enhanced Database Learning: Students now study database JOINs, normalization (3NF), and HL-specific topics like aggregate functions, business intelligence, and distributed databases.
  • Algorithm Complexity & Debugging: Big-O notation, recursion, exception handling, and debugging strategies are included in the curriculum, along with key programming fundamentals.
  • Design Patterns for HL: Advanced design patterns are emphasized at the HL level to strengthen students’ software development skills.

Assessment Structure

Standard Level (SL)

  • Paper 1 (35%): Extended response questions on Theme A and short-response questions on the case study.
  • Paper 2 (35%): Extended response questions on Theme B.
  • Internal Assessment (30%): A computational solution project on a topic of personal interest.

Higher Level (HL)

  • Paper 1 (40%): Extended response questions on Theme A and both short and extended response questions on the case study.
  • Paper 2 (40%): Extended response questions on Theme B.
  • Internal Assessment (20%): A computational solution project.

Notable Assessment Updates

  • Internal Assessment: Students can now choose any computing-related topic for their project; a client is no longer required.
  • Case Study Changes: Now part of Paper 1, featuring both short and extended response questions.
  • Programming Language Flexibility: Paper 2 is available in Python and Java versions, with identical questions but language-specific assessment.
  • Restricted Built-in Functions: Certain Python built-in functions (e.g., len, min, max, sort) may be restricted in assessments to test students’ problem-solving abilities.
  • Programming Language Choice: Students can still use any language for their IA project.

For further details do take a look at the Oxford University Press IB Computer Science book to get a deeper insight into the new curriculum.