REVISION GUIDE · IGCSE 0478
IGCSE Computer Science revision checklist
Every topic you need for Cambridge IGCSE 0478, as an interactive checklist that tracks your progress.
Use this checklist to see exactly what you need to know for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478), and what you still need to revise. Tick each point when you can explain it confidently without notes. Your ticks are saved on this device, so you can come back and track your progress until exam day.
The two papers at a glance
| Paper 1: Computer Systems | Paper 2: Algorithms, Programming and Logic | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour 45 minutes | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Marks | 75 (50%) | 75 (50%) |
| Topics | 1 to 6 | 7 to 10 |
| Notes | Short-answer and structured questions. No calculator. | Ends with a 15-mark scenario question (allow about 30 minutes). No calculator. |
The checklist
A simple 6-week revision plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Topics 1 and 2. Practise conversions and file sizes by hand every day. |
| 2 | Topics 3 and 4. Learn the fetch-decode-execute cycle and the OS functions word-perfect. |
| 3 | Topics 5, 6 and 10. Logic gates and truth tables daily. |
| 4 | Topics 7 and 9. Trace tables, standard algorithms and SQL. |
| 5 | Topic 8, then write one full scenario-style answer under timed conditions. |
| 6 | Timed past-paper practice for both papers. Revisit every unticked point. |
Five tips that make the biggest difference
- Learn definitions precisely. Paper 1 rewards exact wording, so learn key terms as you would for a language test.
- Do calculations by hand. No calculators are allowed, so practise conversions until they are automatic.
- Practise pseudocode, not just reading it. Write short algorithms from memory every week.
- Use mark schemes to learn the phrasing examiners reward, then answer in your own words.
- Time the scenario question. Plan for about 30 minutes and practise at least three before the exam.
For a full method for one of the most common Paper 2 questions, read How to answer trace table questions.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I revise for IGCSE Computer Science?
Most students do well with 6 to 8 weeks of steady revision: about 3 or 4 short sessions a week, mixing topic notes, practice questions and timed past-paper questions.
Can I write Python in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2?
Only in the final 15-mark scenario question, where you may use pseudocode, Python, Visual Basic or Java. Everywhere else in Paper 2, coding answers must be written in pseudocode.
Are calculators allowed in IGCSE Computer Science?
No. Calculators are not permitted in either Paper 1 or Paper 2, so practise binary, hexadecimal and file-size calculations by hand.
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