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  • Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)

Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)

Syllabus overview

Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science encourages learners to meet the needs of higher education courses in computer science as well as twenty-first century digital employers. It encourages leaders to think creatively, through applying practical programming solutions, demonstrating that they are effective uses of technology.

Learners develop computational thinking & programming skills to solve computer science problems. Cambridge International AS and A Level Computer Science will help learners develop a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically. They will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies.

Syllabuses

The syllabus year refers to the year in which the examination will be taken.

  • 2021 - 2023 Syllabus (PDF, 715KB)
    • 2021 - 2023 Syllabus update (PDF, 274KB)
    • 2021 Syllabus Legacy Notice (PDF, 103KB)
  • 2024 - 2025 Syllabus (PDF, 764KB)

Syllabus support

  • Support for Computer Science (PDF, 645KB)

Syllabus updates

  • Summary of the changes
    • We revise qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world. The 2021-2023 syllabus reflects current thinking in industry and higher education, including the introduction of Robotics and Artificial intelligence (A.I).

      How has the syllabus changed?

      • The 2021-2023 syllabus provides opportunities for students to demonstrate practical programming skills.
      • We have introduced a third Assessement Objective where students will be asked to design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, and make reasoned judgements about them.
      • For the first time, we have included a list of key concepts to deepen students' understanding. These are essential ideas, theories, principles or mental tools that help learners to develop a deep understanding and to make links and connections across the subject:
        • Computational thinking
        • Programming paradigms
        • Communication
        • Computer architecture and hardware
        • Data representation and structures
      • We have added a list of command words and their meanings to help learners know what’s expected of them in the exam.

      How has the assessment changed?

      • For the AS Level qualification, each component is 50% of the total marks.
      • For the A Level qualification, each component is 25% of the total marks.
      • To allow for practical application time, we have increased the duration of Paper 4.
      • We have introduced changes to programming languages, adding Visual Basic (console mode), Python and Java.
      • We have removed Pascal/Delphi (console mode).

      When do these changes take place?

      The updated syllabus is for examination in June and November 2021, 2022 and 2023. Please see the 2021-2023 syllabus above for full details.

  • Teaching and learning resources
    • Coming soon

      We are developing a wide range of support to help you plan and teach the 2021-2023 syllabus.

      Support

      Look out for resources including a Scheme of work, Example candidate responses, Teacher and Learner guides, all of which will be available from April 2019 onwards through School Support Hub.

      Endorsed resources

      View the latest resources that are being developed by our Core Team Publishers for the Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science syllabus (9618).

      A Level Literature in English (Collins)Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (Hodder)

      Develop computational thinking and ensure full coverage of the revised Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science syllabus with this comprehensive Student’s Book written by experienced authors and examiners.

      Read more on the Hodder website

      ASAL Computer ScienceCambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (Cambridge University Press)

      Detailed descriptions of concepts, reinforced with examples that outline complex subject matter in a clear way. Alongside fundamental definitions, higher-level programming skills are developed through the explanation of processes and consolidated by practical exam-style questions.

      Read more on the Cambridge University Press website

Subscribe to syllabus updates

Important notices

  • Grade descriptions
    • For some subjects, the syllabus states that Grade Descriptions will be made available after first assessment in 2020, 2021 or 2022.

      Publication of grade descriptions was paused in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary changes to the grading standard that have been in place for 2020, 2021 and 2022. We are currently working on producing these grade descriptions. This work will make sure that grade descriptions reflect examination outcomes appropriately and are based on the more stable grading standard that we expect to have in place for June 2023 onwards.

  • Submit for Assessment
    • Check the Submit for Assessment page and the samples database for information and guidance on submitting moderated and examined work using Submit for Assessment.

School Support Hub

We provide a wide range of support so that teachers can give their learners the best possible preparation for Cambridge programmes and qualifications. For teachers at registered Cambridge schools, support materials for specific syllabuses are available from the School Support Hub (username and password required).

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