0478

IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — March 2021 Past Papers, Topics & Exam Tips

The Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) March 2021 session consisted of 2 papers. This page links to every question paper, mark scheme, grade threshold and session feedback document released by Cambridge for this session.

Grade Thresholds

All 6 files

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    Study Resources for Computer Science

    Prepare for your exam with these complementary resources:

    Revision Notes
    24 topics
    Flashcards
    266 cards

    0478 March 2021 Papers

    0478 Paper 1 - Theory

    1 hr 45 min • 75 marks

    Question Paper
    Mark Scheme
    QP + MS QP + ER

    All variants (different time zones):

    QP:
    v2
    MS:
    v2

    0478 Paper 2 - Problem-solving and Programming

    1 hr 45 min • 50 marks

    Question Paper
    Mark Scheme
    QP + MS QP + ER

    All variants (different time zones):

    QP:
    v2
    MS:
    v2

    Other Resources

    Additional materials to help you prepare and understand how exams are marked.

    Examiner Report

    Insights from examiners on how students performed. Learn common mistakes to avoid and what examiners look for in top answers.

    View

    0478 March 2021 at a glance

    ← October-November 2020 All 0478 sessions May-June 2021 →

    Get Computer Science Study Tips

    Join students preparing for 0478. Get exam reminders, new past paper alerts and revision resources by email.

    Revising with a friend? Send them these past papers.

    0478 Study Tips & FAQ

    What are paper variants?

    Cambridge releases multiple variants of each paper (e.g., Paper 11, 12, 13) to accommodate different time zones around the world and maintain exam security.

    Which variant you sit is set by your school's administrative zone: in the November 2026 timetable, for 0478, Variant 1 is sat in Zones 1 and 2, Variant 2 in Zones 3 and 4, and Variant 3 in Zones 5 and 6. Which zones sit which variant differs from subject to subject, so ask your exams officer which zone your school is in.

    All variants cover the same syllabus and have similar difficulty. Practice with any variant to prepare effectively for your exam.

    How to use Mark Schemes effectively

    Mark schemes show exactly how examiners award marks for each question. Understanding them helps you write answers that earn full marks.

    Tips:

    • Look for key words that must appear in your answer
    • Note how many points are needed for each mark
    • Understand the difference between "state" (brief) and "explain" (detailed)
    Understanding Grade Thresholds

    Grade thresholds show the minimum marks needed for each grade. They vary each session based on paper difficulty — harder papers have lower thresholds.

    March 2021, option AY (components 12, 22), out of 125:

    A*
    89
    A
    73
    B
    57
    C
    41

    From the copy of the Cambridge grade threshold table, March 2021. Each option has its own thresholds: see every 0478 session.

    How to use thresholds:

    • Set realistic target marks based on your goal grade
    • Track your practice paper scores against thresholds
    • Remember: you don't need 100% for an A* — aim for consistency
    • Compare thresholds across sessions to gauge difficulty trends

    How to Use IGCSE Computer Science Past Papers

    📝 Timed Practice

    Complete papers under exam conditions. 0478 Paper 1 (Theory) is 1 hr 45 min - practice finishing within this time to build exam stamina.

    ✅ Self-Marking

    Use the mark scheme to score your answers. Look for marking points you missed and understand what examiners expect in Computer Science responses.

    📊 Examiner Reports

    Read the 0478 examiner report to see common mistakes. Focus revision on topics where candidates typically lose marks.

    🎯 Grade Targets

    In March 2021, an A* in IGCSE Computer Science needed 89 out of 125 (71%) (copy of the Cambridge grade threshold table, March 2021). See the grade thresholds for every 0478 session.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I download IGCSE Computer Science March 2021 past papers?
    You can download all IGCSE Computer Science (0478) March 2021 past papers directly from this page. We provide 6 files: question papers, mark schemes, examiner reports and grade thresholds for variants 12, 22. Click "View" to open in browser or "Download" to save the PDF.
    Are 0478 mark schemes included?
    Yes, mark schemes for all 0478 March 2021 papers are included. Each question paper has a corresponding mark scheme showing expected answers and mark allocation.
    What papers are available for IGCSE Computer Science 0478?
    IGCSE Computer Science (0478) has 2 papers: Paper 1 (Theory), Paper 2 (Problem-solving and Programming). There are no Core and Extended tiers: every candidate sits Papers 1 and 2.
    What is the difference between paper variants 11, 12, and 13?
    The three variants (11, 12, 13) are different versions of the same paper used in different time zones to prevent cheating. All variants test the same syllabus content at the same difficulty level. You can practice with any variant as they are equally valid for revision.
    How can I practice these past papers effectively?
    Use our free Exam Hub to practice past papers like real exams. It lets you view question papers and mark schemes side-by-side, so you can self-mark your answers. No sign-up required, and it works with any PDF.

    Continue Studying Computer Science

    Prepare for these topics before attempting the past papers:

    Revision Notes
    24 topics covered
    Flashcards
    266 cards to master
    Practice Quiz
    Test your knowledge

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