The IB DP computer science course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computers and other digital devices operate. The course, underpinned by conceptual thinking, draws on a wide spectrum of knowledge, and enables and empowers innovation, exploration and the acquisition of further knowledge. Students study how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved. (source)
The biggest difference between the standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) is the inclusion of a case study and additional higher-level content, such as abstract data structures, resource management, and control. All students are required to develop a computational solution to an authentic problem.
There are four additional possible options students must become familiar with; databases, object-oriented-programming, web-science, and modeling and simulation. We focus on web science.
When this course is over, what are you going to be able to understand and do? Aims provide a bulleted list of core ideas and skills. It would be great idea if you became curious about the aims on this list.
The following course aims are used with gratitude from the IB DP computer science subject guide:
Diploma Programme computer science students should become aware of how computer scientists work and communicate with each other and with other stakeholders in the successful development and implementation of IT solutions.
While the methodology used to solve problems in computer sciencemay take a wide variety of forms, the group 4 computer science course emphasizes the need for both a theoretical and practical approach.
It is in this context that the Diploma Programme computer science course should aim to:
In addition to IB assessment, the course has substantial amounts of summative and formative assessment. Everything you do "counts".
Paper 1
2 hour 10 minutes is allocated for an examination paper consisting of two compulsory sections:
Section A (30 minutes approximately) consists of several compulsory short answer questions. The maximum mark for this section is 25.
Section B (100 minutes approximately) consists of three compulsory structured questions. The maximum mark for this section is 75.
You can earn a maximum of 100 marks for paper 1. It is weighted for 40% of your final grade.
Paper 2
1 hour 20 minutes is allocated for paper 2 which is an examination paper linked to the option studied (which is web science).
The paper consists of between three and seven compulsory questions.
The SL/HL core questions are common and worth 45 marks. The HL extension is worth 20 marks.
You can earn a maximum of 65 marks for paper 2. It is weighted for 20% of your final grade.
Paper 3
Paper 3 is an examination paper of 1 hour consisting of four compulsory questions based on a pre-seen case study.
You can earn a maximum of 30 marks for paper 3. It is weighted for 20% of your grade
Internal Assessment
Internal assessment is an highly challenging, authentic solution to a problem.
You can earn a maximum of 34 marks. It is weighted for 20% of your final grade.
Topics are big ideas, essential questions, and important skills in our course. All topics are assessed, formatively and summatively. Clicking the links below will bring you to a page which details the topic, and offers resources to help you understand them. Many courses share the same topics, but especially in the IB courses, the rigor and depth of the topics are more pronounced.
Teacher: Bill MacKenty, M.Ed.
Teacher email: bmackenty@aswarsaw.org
American School of Warsaw
Bielawa. 202 Warszawska Ul.
05-520 Konstancin-Jeziorna
POLAND
https://www.aswarsaw.org
https://www.mackenty.org
Required materials include a school-issued computer with all software updated as directed in our getting started guide.
Exam re-takes
I do not allow students to retake exams. Many students get the idea that they don't have to take a test seriously until the retake. Students and parents are reminded a grade is a single data point, not to be considered as a single point upon which all success and failure rests.
Extra-Credit
I want you to work hard and learn. There are times when you may want to earn extra credit. Extra credit does not automatically improve your grade. Here are some things to think about before you accept an assignment for extra credit:
You are responsible for understanding and following these guidelines.
From the Student Handbook:
Academic integrity is an expected trait in all students of ASW and is afforded the utmost value by all members of the faculty. The academic reputation of our students and the school in the wider community depend on it. Academic integrity expectations extend to all assessed and non-assessed school work and to all documentation produced for university and college applications. It is the expectation at ASW that all work and documentation submitted by students is entirely their own.
To ensure that high school students understand what constitutes academic honesty, teachers explicitly address the issue with all students at the start of each academic course.
Academic integrity means:
Conversely, academic dishonesty means:
When a faculty member determines that there has been a breach of academic integrity, the faculty member is required to inform the Principal of the incident.
This an entry-level course. Students are not expected to know anything about programming prior to starting the course. This is an IB course, and is rigorous.
Under the following conditions, teachers will communicate with students and families about their academic progress:
Speak to me in person
Send me an email In-depth questions, with evidence that you have followed our guide to asking good questions will get replies.
Ask a question in our ask-for-help system
Week Starting | Topic |
---|---|
Tuesday 20 August 2024 (18 days ago) |
Course orientation |
Monday 26 August 2024 (12 days ago) |
Course orientation |
Monday 2 September 2024 (5 days ago) |
Computational thinking |
Monday 9 September 2024 (in 2 days) |
Programming |
Monday 16 September 2024 (in 9 days) |
Programming |
Monday 23 September 2024 (in 16 days) |
Programming |
Monday 30 September 2024 (in 23 days) |
Computer organization |
Monday 7 October 2024 (in 1 month 0 days) |
Computer organization |
Monday 14 October 2024 (in 1 month 7 days) |
Computer organization |
Monday 21 October 2024 (in 1 month 14 days) |
Computer organization |
Monday 28 October 2024 (in 1 month 21 days) |
Holiday |
Monday 4 November 2024 (in 1 month 27 days) |
System fundamentals |
Tuesday 12 November 2024 (in 2 months 5 days) |
System fundamentals |
Monday 18 November 2024 (in 2 months 11 days) |
System fundamentals |
Monday 25 November 2024 (in 2 months 18 days) |
System fundamentals |
Monday 2 December 2024 (in 2 months 25 days) |
System fundamentals |
Monday 9 December 2024 (in 3 months 2 days) |
System fundamentals |
Monday 16 December 2024 (in 3 months 9 days) |
Holiday |
Monday 23 December 2024 (in 3 months 16 days) |
Holiday |
Monday 30 December 2024 (in 3 months 23 days) |
Holiday |
Tuesday 7 January 2025 (in 4 months 0 days) |
Networking |
Monday 13 January 2025 (in 4 months 6 days) |
Networking |
Monday 20 January 2025 (in 4 months 13 days) |
Networking |
Monday 27 January 2025 (in 4 months 20 days) |
Computational thinking |
Monday 3 February 2025 (in 4 months 26 days) |
Computational thinking |
Monday 10 February 2025 (in 5 months 3 days) |
Computational thinking |
Monday 17 February 2025 (in 5 months 10 days) |
Computational thinking |
Monday 24 February 2025 (in 5 months 17 days) |
Holiday |
Monday 3 March 2025 (in 5 months 26 days) |
IA |
Monday 10 March 2025 (in 6 months 3 days) |
IA |
Monday 17 March 2025 (in 6 months 10 days) |
IA |
Monday 24 March 2025 (in 6 months 17 days) |
IA |
Monday 31 March 2025 (in 6 months 24 days) |
Abstract data structures |
Monday 7 April 2025 (in 7 months 0 days) |
Abstract data structures |
Monday 14 April 2025 (in 7 months 7 days) |
Abstract data structures |
Tuesday 22 April 2025 (in 7 months 15 days) |
Abstract data structures |
Monday 28 April 2025 (in 7 months 21 days) |
Holiday |
Monday 5 May 2025 (in 7 months 28 days) |
Resource management |
Monday 12 May 2025 (in 8 months 5 days) |
Resource management |
Monday 19 May 2025 (in 8 months 12 days) |
Resource management |
Monday 26 May 2025 (in 8 months 19 days) |
Resource management |
Monday 2 June 2025 (in 8 months 25 days) |
IA |
Monday 9 June 2025 (in 9 months 2 days) |
IA |
Monday 16 June 2025 (in 9 months 9 days) |
IA |