The new IB Computer Science syllabus will start in September 2025 and syllabus details will be available in February 2025.  One significant change is that all students will learn programming by completing the examinations and practical coursework components in either Python or Java.

This change opens up exciting possibilities. While numerous stakeholders are involved in the teaching-learning process, the ultimate decision on which language to choose lies with the teachers responsible for course delivery. So, let's dive into the pros and cons of each language to help you make an informed choice.

Python is a great choice for beginners because it's easy to read and understand. This is due to its clean and simple syntax. Python is also very versatile. It's used in many areas, including web development, data science, and machine learning. This opens up a lot of possibilities for different projects.

Additionally, Python has a wide range of libraries. These libraries provide tools that are ready to use, which makes development easier. However, there are a couple of downsides to keep in mind. Python can sometimes be slower than Java. Also, it's not the best language for mobile development.

Java is a robust and scalable language known for its speed and efficiency, making it a good choice for demanding applications. It is a primary language for Android app development, which is a great advantage for those interested in this area. Java's strong object-oriented programming (OOP) foundation is valuable for building complex and well-structured projects. JAVA has also been the basis of the OOP Option for many years. 
However, Java has a steeper learning curve than Python due to its more complex syntax. Additionally, Java can be more verbose, requiring more code to achieve the same functionality as Python.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

• Interests: What kind of projects are you interested in developing with your students? Web applications, data analysis, machine learning, desktop apps or mobile apps?
• Teacher Expertise: What language(s) are you most comfortable teaching and supporting students with?
•  Student background: Are your students beginners, or do they have prior programming experience?
• Student Choice:  Will you give students a choice in which language they choose to work with?
• Subject groups: Do you teach your HL and SL students separately or have multiple classes of IB Computer Science students?
• Multiple teachers: Would different teachers within the department be teaching in different programming languages?

Let's Discuss

I'm eager to hear your thoughts! Which language are you leaning towards and why? What kind of projects are you hoping to build? Let's start a conversation in the comments below and help each other make the best decision for our IB Computer Science students.