Candidates take two externally assessed papers. Paper 1 covers Computer Systems, while Paper 2 covers Algorithms, Programming and Logic. Each paper is worth 75 marks and contributes 50% of the final qualification.

Paper 1 – Computer Systems

Short-answer and structured questions based on Computer Systems. All questions are compulsory, externally assessed, and calculators are not allowed.

Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Marks

75 marks

Weight

50%

Content

Topics 1–6

Assesses Topics 1–6 of the subject content.
Assesses AO1, AO2 and AO3.
Candidates answer directly on the question paper.
Covers the full grade range.

Paper 2 – Algorithms, Programming and Logic

Short-answer, structured, and scenario-based questions based on Algorithms, Programming and Logic. Programming logic is more important than syntax.

Duration

1 hour 45 minutes

Marks

75 marks

Weight

50%

Content

Topics 7–10

Assesses Topics 7–10 of the subject content.
Requires practical programming experience.
Includes a final 15-mark unseen scenario question.
Candidates are expected to spend about 30 minutes on the scenario question.
Calculators are not allowed.

Syllabus Content

The syllabus is divided into Paper 1 and Paper 2 content. Use “Open Chapter” to open the matching topic notes page, or “Open Description” to expand the detailed syllabus table for each topic.