IB Diploma Programme Computer Science, SL and HL
SL and HL papers
Both levels sit Papers 1 and 2. HL papers are longer, with HL topics.
Standard level (SL)
Paper 1: concepts and the case study 1 h 15 min, 50 marks, 35% of the grade.
Section A: extended-response questions on theme A, concepts of computer science (38 marks). Section B: short-response questions on the pre-seen case study and its two challenge questions (12 marks). All compulsory.
Paper 2: computational thinking and problem-solving 1 h 15 min, 50 marks, 35% of the grade.
Extended-response questions on theme B, in Python or Java (a version of the paper for each). One question tests algorithmic thinking without reading or writing code. All compulsory.
Internal assessment: the computational solution 30 marks, 30% of the grade.
A coded solution to a problem the student chooses: documentation within 2,000 words, a video of up to five minutes and the source code, marked on five criteria by the teacher and moderated by the IB.
Theme ATheme BThe case studyAssessment and the internal assessment
227 questions at SL: code to trace in Python or Java, calculations, and feedback on written answers by command term.
Higher level (HL)
Paper 1: concepts and the case study 2 h, 80 marks, 40% of the grade.
Section A: extended-response questions on theme A, the SL questions with extra parts on HL topics (56 marks). Section B: short- and extended-response questions on the pre-seen case study and its four challenge questions (24 marks).
Paper 2: computational thinking and problem-solving 2 h, 80 marks, 40% of the grade.
Extended-response questions on theme B in Python or Java: two questions from the SL paper, including the algorithmic thinking question, and further questions on HL topics.
Internal assessment: the computational solution 30 marks, 20% of the grade.
As at SL: documentation within 2,000 words, a video of up to five minutes and the source code, on five criteria.
Theme ATheme BThe case studyAssessment and the internal assessment
336 questions at HL: code to trace in Python or Java, calculations, and feedback on written answers by command term.
The computational solution is your own product, so it is not practised here; the assessment lesson covers its five criteria. The IB's pre-seen case study is for schools only, so the case study unit practises the approach on our own scenarios.