Assessment Basics
The Internal Assessment (IA) is an individual task focused on the development of a Computational Solution to a specified problem. It allows students to demonstrate the practical application of computational thinking skills.
Nature of the Solution
The solution must be a product of the student's own work and should address a real-world problem or challenge. It is not merely an exercise in coding, but a demonstration of problem-solving through computer science.
- Must be a fully functional product.
- Should include algorithmic complexity.
- Documented through a written report, video, and source code.
Core Statistics
Submission Requirements
1. Documentation
Submitted as a single PDF. It must contain five separate sections (one for each criterion) and not exceed 2000 words. Word count must be on the cover page.
2. Video
Maximum 5 minutes (MP4, AVI, or WMV). It must demonstrate full functionality and examples of the testing strategy used during development.
3. Appendices
Single PDF including full source code and resources. Note: While not graded directly, Criterion D marks cannot be awarded without the full source code in the appendix.
Internal Assessment Criteria & Deliverables
| Criterion | Deliverables | Word Count |
|---|---|---|
| Criterion A | Scenario / computational context / success criteria | 300 words |
| Criterion B | Decomposition and planning overview (e.g.: Project structure chart, GANTT chart) | 150 words plus diagrams |
| Criterion C | System overview (system model, algorithm designs, testing strategy) | 150 words plus diagrams |
| Criterion D | Ø Development document (functional product, algorithms implemented and evaluated, testing strategy effectiveness) | 1000 words |
| Ø Demonstration video (functionality, algorithms demonstrated, testing highlights) | 5 minute video | |
| Criterion E | Evaluation and recommendations | 400 words |
Computational Thinking Process
The process begins with a problem and follows a structured path comprising these six key components:
Problem
Spec
Recognition
Thinking
Evaluation
Problem Specification
Clearly defining and understanding the nature of a problem, the limitations, and its scope for establishing solution goals.
Decomposition
Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.
Pattern Recognition
Identifying similarities to other problems, or identifying recurring elements in the system, to make predictions and develop algorithms.
Abstraction
Focusing on essential features and high-level ideas, whilst removing unnecessary detail, to develop a system overview.
Algorithmic Thinking
Developing a step-by-step series of instructions for solving a particular problem.
Testing and Evaluation
Assessing a potential solution against the initial expected goals to determine effectiveness or adjustments needed.
Assessment Criteria
Your Internal Assessment is evaluated across five distinct criteria.
| Criterion | Description | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| A | Problem scenario, computational context, success criteria. | 4 |
| B | Decomposing the problem and planning solutions that address the success criteria. | 4 |
| C | System overview: system model, algorithms, testing strategy. | 6 |
| D | Development process, a fully functional product, a supporting video. | 12 |
| E | Evaluating the solution and offering recommendations for improvement. | 4 |
| Total | 30 | |
The Computational Solution
Complexity & Talent
Criterion D (12 marks) is where you prove your technical skill. Avoid trivial solutions; instead, focus on implementing advanced computational logic.