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Paper 1External
Core computer science knowledge and problem solving
Varies by level
External assessment
Build fluent methods without calculator shortcuts- Review mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questions
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IB DP Computer Science combines external papers with a substantial computational solution and, under the redesigned course, rewards both technical knowledge and real applied problem-solving.
IB DP Computer Science combines external papers with an internal computational solution. The grade moves when theory, algorithmic thinking and project execution are coached together.
PAPER
WHAT IT TESTS
DETAILS
HOW WE PREPARE STUDENTS
SL & HL - IB DP / IB DPCore computer science knowledge and problem solving
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsApplied and extended responses in computer science
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsHL-only extension paper where applicable
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsThe internally assessed coursework or project component
Coursework window35-hour internal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsThis subject is taught at SL and HL. Exact paper timings and splits should be checked against the current IB guide for the student's cohort where needed.
Figures shown for 0580 and 0980 syllabuses for 2025-2027.
SL & HLIB DP / IB DPExternal
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsExternal
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsExternal
Varies by levelExternal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsInternal assessment
Coursework window35-hour internal assessmentBuild fluent methods without calculator shortcutsReview mark-scheme working with timed past-paper questionsThis subject is taught at SL and HL. Exact paper timings and splits should be checked against the current IB guide for the student's cohort where needed.
The external papers carry the majority of the grade. The internal assessment component is 35-hour internal assessment. Grades run from 1 to 7.
None of these are about ability. Each one is a mechanism in the exam, and every one of them is trainable.
The project needs proper planning, iteration and evidence, not a rushed finish.
Knowing the topic names is not the same as solving the question.
Students often describe instead of constructing precise logic.
The project loses marks when testing and reflection are treated as an afterthought.
HL needs more depth and stronger applied reasoning.
These are the main syllabus strands your child is expected to cover. We teach all of them, starting with the gaps that are costing marks first.
We keep the current schema and seed these as direct subjects for now, while still reflecting the SL/HL and IA structure from the IB documents.
A simple four-step approach designed to build confidence, close gaps and improve exam performance.
We confirm the syllabus code, exam series and paper route for IB DP. Everything else depends on this.
A diagnostic against the syllabus topics tells us what's secure and what isn't, so we teach the gaps rather than the whole book.
The same tutor teaches each week around school. Concepts build step by step, with the school's pace kept in view.
Past-paper questions begin early, followed by full timed papers marked against the published mark scheme.
Expert, vetted IB DP Computer Science tutors who have taught the IB DP specification. Past-paper work is reviewed against published mark schemes, so your child can see where marks are awarded and where they are being lost. UK-qualified teachers are available on request as a premium option.
Not "ib dp computer science in general" - this syllabus, this tier and these papers.
Your child learns where the marks actually are, not where they feel they should be.
Shared whiteboard, worked solutions and lesson materials saved to review after the session.
The same tutor every week - and if that changes, we tell you first.
Share your child's details and syllabus code. We'll match the right tutor and arrange a free 30-minute demo session.
Yes. This subject is available at Standard Level and Higher Level, with the exact demand and paper structure depending on the current IB guide.
Computational solution / IA. It carries 35-hour internal assessment and is one of the most controllable parts of the final grade.
External papers and the internal assessment combine into a single final subject grade from 1 to 7 against IB standards.
The level should be chosen against the university target, the student's current performance, and the workload across the full Diploma.
Usually a weak or late computational solution, shallow algorithmic reasoning, or theory revision that never turns into working answers.
Yes. We support both the paper technique and the internal assessment, because weak IA planning quietly caps strong exam performance.
It is one of the six Diploma Programme subjects; students also complete Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay alongside it.
We replace the tutor free of charge and hand the learning context over so your child does not lose momentum.
