Top 10 Tips to Achieve Grade 7-9
OCR GCSE Computer Science
TRAUMA-INFORMED GUIDE
Created by Miss ICT — GCSE Computer Science Specialist
Why This Guide?
Computer Science is one of the most rewarding but also most demanding GCSEs. Success comes from smart strategies, not endless hours.
This enhanced guide will give you:
- Clear exam board guidance (OCR-specific)
- Exam technique advice for Papers 1 & 2
- Worked examples to make concepts stick
- A 12-week roadmap that can raise your grade
- Visual learning aids and memory techniques
- Self-assessment tools and progress tracking
Exam Structure Overview
Paper 1: Computer Systems
90 minutes | 80 marks | 50% of grade
Paper 2: Computational Thinking
90 minutes | 80 marks | 50% of grade
Command Words Matter!
Top 10 Expanded Tips
Start with the OCR Specification (Both Papers)
Every mark in your exam is directly tied to the specification. This is your roadmap to success!
How to use the specification effectively:
- • Download it free from the OCR website
- • Print it out and use it as a checklist
- • Tick off each bullet point once you've revised it
- • Write a 1-sentence summary for each point
- • Use traffic light system: Green (confident), Amber (needs work), Red (don't understand)
Example in practice:
Spec point: "Describe the purpose of the CPU"
Your note: "The CPU (Central Processing Unit) fetches, decodes and executes instructions from memory, acting as the brain of the computer."
Memory trick: "FDE = Fetch, Decode, Execute (like Following Driving Examiner!)"
Vocabulary = Marks (Paper 1)
Using precise technical vocabulary can be the difference between Grade 6 and Grade 9!
Vague language loses marks:
"The CPU thinks fast and does stuff with data"
Technical vocabulary gains marks:
"The CPU fetches instructions from RAM, decodes them in the Control Unit, and executes them using the ALU"
Essential vocabulary for top grades:
Algorithm Confidence (Paper 2)
Break down every algorithm problem into manageable steps. This is where many students lose easy marks!
The 4-Step Algorithm Method:
- Understand: What are the inputs and outputs?
- Plan: Write it in plain English first
- Code: Convert to pseudocode/flowchart
- Test: Trace through with sample data
Pro tip: OCR loves to give you algorithms with errors. Practice spotting logical errors, syntax errors, and runtime errors!
Past Papers & Mark Schemes (Both Papers)
Past papers aren't just practice - they're your crystal ball into the exam!
The Perfect Past Paper Strategy:
- Week 1-6: Do papers untimed, open book
- Week 7-9: Do papers timed, closed book
- Week 10-12: Full exam conditions
- Always: Mark yourself using the official mark scheme
- Key: Learn HOW examiners want answers phrased
Mark Scheme Secret: Look for phrases like "must include" or "allow" - these tell you exactly what examiners are looking for!
Time Management (Exam Skills)
Both papers: 90 minutes, 80 marks. Time is your most precious resource!
Time Strategy for 6-mark questions:
- 30 seconds: Read and understand
- 1 minute: Plan your answer
- 4 minutes: Write your response
- 30 seconds: Quick check
Stuck? Flag it, move on, return later!
The 12-Week Success Plan
Transform your grade with this structured revision program that mirrors my 12-Week GCSE Computer Science Booster Course!
Memory Techniques & Mnemonics
CPU Components
ABCD-MPR:
- ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit
- Buses - Data, Address, Control
- Control Unit
- Decoder
- MAR - Memory Address Register
- PC - Program Counter
- Registers (MDR, ACC, etc.)
Network Layers (OSI)
"Please Do Not Throw Sausage Pizza Away"
- Physical
- Data Link
- Network
- Transport
- Session
- Presentation
- Application
Data Sizes
"Bouncing Kittens Make Giant Tigers"
- Bit
- Byte (8 bits)
- Kilobyte (1024 bytes)
- Megabyte
- Gigabyte
- Terabyte
Ready to Achieve Grade 7-9?
Join my GCSE Computer Science Group Sessions!