Computer Science · IB SL
IB Computer Science SL — papers & markbands
Core theory (Paper 1), the case study (Paper 2) and — at HL — chosen-option questions (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Computer Science SL chapters
11 topics · free- 1.1Systems in organizations: planning and change management
- 1.2System design basics: components, usability and documentation
- 2.1Computer architecture: the CPU and primary memory
- 2.2Secondary memory and operating systems
- 2.3Binary representation of data
- 3.1Network fundamentals
- 3.2Data transmission and wireless networks
- 4.1Computational thinking: abstraction, decomposition and algorithms
- 4.2Connecting computational thinking and program design
- 4.3Introduction to programming: variables, control and methods
- 4.4Flowcharts, pseudocode and algorithm design
Papers in Computer Science SL
- Paper 1SL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2SL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Computer Science SL?
- IB Computer Science at SL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, plus internal assessment. Core theory (Paper 1), the case study (Paper 2) and — at HL — chosen-option questions (Paper 3).
- How is IB Computer Science marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Computer Science SL past papers?
- Browse every recent Computer Science SL exam series on our IB Computer Science past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Computer Science course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Computer Science course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Computer Science resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.