Revision Guide – Computer Science

SUBJECT: Computer Science
EXAM BOARD AND CODE: OCR J277
NUMBER OF PAPERS: 2
LENGTH OF PAPERS:
Paper 1: Computer Systems – 90 minutes, 80 marks (50% of the GCSE)
Paper 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming 90 minutes, 80 marks (50% of the GCSE)
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Black pen (and spare), pencil
WEBSITE LINK: GCSE – Computer Science (9-1) – J277 (from 2020) – OCR

Topics to be revised

All topics taught in years 10 and 11 can be tested in the exams.
Details of specific topics to be revised for both papers are in the Course Companion, an electronic copy of which was given to all students in year 10 and is available on #files.

Revision Tips

Revision Guides:
The Course Companion provides detailed information for the entire syllabus.
There is also a revision guide with practice exercises which gives a condensed version of the course.
Specific topic based revision material is also available via the subject area on the school network, as well as on MS Teams.
All past papers and the OCR sample papers and mark schemes have been given to students; it is strongly advised for students to complete as many past paper questions as possible.
Also available are the pre-recorded lessons, available on MS Stream.

Useful websites:
A number of revision video tutorials written by two computer science teachers are freely available via YouTube. The following is a link to the GCSE elements of this resource
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8H6-anK0t4&list=PLCiOXwirraUAvkTPDWeeSqAKty3LAG37-

Revision Techniques:

• Use the ‘Year 11 Computer Science Final Advice’ document for ideas
• Use the resources on MS Stream
• Make revision cards with questions on one side, answers and method on the back
• Make a Mind map summarising all the key skills for each topic (use colour and pictures)
• Practice using Pseudocode to show the algorithms for given tasks
• Avoid passive methods of revision; the more you process information the more it will stick in long term memory

Exam Hints

• Don’t Rush – you should have plenty of time
• Read the question carefully, especially the command words
• Look at the number of marks available and ensure your answer is adequate for these
• Answer all parts of the question, and above all, never leave anything blank
• If you hit a problem stay calm and move on. You can always come back to the question later.

Download a printable version here