DS and CS FAQs

ITGS (Information Technology in a global society) course is the study and evaluation of the impacts of information technology (IT) on individuals and society. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of the access and use of digitized information at the local and global level. ITGS provides a framework for the student to make informed judgments and decisions about the use of IT within social contexts.

The most important aspect of Computer Science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts.

For more info, please see the official website of the IB on Computer Science and ITGS

• CS: Group 4 - Sciences

• DS: Group 3 - Individuals and Society

Computer Science:

The study of Computer Science at HL demands a higher level of problem-solving skills and the ability to understand and manipulate abstract concepts.

Although no previous knowledge of computer science is required, some exposure to programming is desirable and a Computer Science GCSE is a significant advantage.

For Computer Science HL a 7-9 grade in GCSE mathematics is recommended and 5-9 for the SL course.

ITGS

It is recommended that students have a pass grade at GCSE English language to access the written requirements of the course. Students who have studied ICT at IGCSE level will be at a significant advantage.

Please visit the following pages:

• Computer Science SL

• Computer Science HL

• IB Computer Science guide

• ITGS SL

• ITGS HL

• IB ITGS guide

There are four options that a school can run in Computer Science. They are:

• Option A: Databases

• Option B: Modelling and simulation

• Option C: Web science

• Option D: Object-oriented programming (OOP)

St. Julian’s runs the OOP and students use JAVA to develop their skills.

There are a variety of applications that we look at. Some of them are:

• Office applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)

• Graphic Design applications (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator etc.)

• Video editing applications (e.g. Premiere Pro, After Effects etc.)

• Web design applications (e.g. Dreamweaver, Expression Web etc.)

Yes, since they are in two different subject groups

A fully documented, designed original project needs to be developed for a real client. This is worth 30% at SL and 20% at HL in both subjects.

• CS - The Internal Assessment coursework element is a fully documented, programmed solution to a practical problem.

• ITGS - A practical ICT project set in a social context, along with a 2000 word project report. The solution must involve at least 3 'complex' skills - a list of possibilities is given in a document published by the IB.

Students study additional subject content introduced by the annually issued case study (HL only).

Computer Science Case Study topics in previous years included: Electronic banking, computer aided dispatch system etc.

ITGS Case Study topics in previous years included: driverless vehicles, artificial intelligence, smart homes, big data etc.

For both subjects, there are two examination papers at SL and three examination papers at HL.