Welcome.
I'm starting this blog in order to expose how Cambridge International Education’s Computer Science assessments — at both IGCSE and A Level — have fallen into what can only be described as a Cargo Cult of Computer Science. Through their exam papers, mark schemes, syllabuses, and even endorsed textbooks, they repeatedly demonstrate a lack of meaningful understanding of the subject they claim to assess.
The result is a form of pseudo-Computer Science. Just as pseudoscience is a collection of beliefs that claim to be scientific but lack scientific rigor and reject empirical evidence, CIE's assessments are riddled with factual errors, incoherent expectations, contradictions between official guidance and examiner behaviour. They refuse to engage with valid, evidence-based criticism.
Here, I’m documenting the growing disconnect between real Computer Science and the pseudo-Computer Science found in the exam papers, mark schemes, syllabi, and guidance materials and endorsed textbooks. Their system often rewards parroting flawed examiner logic, penalises accurate answers, and hides misinformation behind vague justifications like “simplification” or “fairness to centres.”
These issues are not simplifications, and they are not fair. They are systemic misunderstandings that are undermining the subject and doing a massive disservice to students and teachers, as well as the universities and businesses accepting these qualifications as a meaningful demonstration of student's ability in the subject.
This isn’t about nitpicking — it’s about truth, trust, and professional and academic integrity in Computer Science education.
If you care about those things too, I hope you’ll read, share, and speak up.
About me: I’m a Computer Science teacher, former software and database developer, and have a degree in electronic engineering.