Examinations

Below are some revision tips for students:

Start early. Make sure you have enough time to revise all the subjects you are sitting at GCSE.
Make sure you know which specification you are doing – short or full. If in doubt ask your teacher.
Download a copy of the specification.

Revise everything you have studied in class – the exam questions will test your knowledge on all parts of the specification.
Read over each topic and make brief notes on the main points.
When revising hardware, you need to consider the following:
– what is it?
– how does it operate?
– what are the advantages?
– what are the disadvantages?
– where is it used?
When revising software, you need to be aware of the package features and also refresh your practical knowledge of the software.
Make sure you learn the definitions of the acronyms quoted on the specification (abbreviations such as ISP).
Try to make it interesting for yourself – alternate revising theory with revising practical skills. You can create a spreadsheet timetable to cover each topic or design cards on the main points you want to learn using a desktop publishing programme.
Use the following online resources:
– www.teachICT.com
– www.ICTgcse.com
– www.school-resourses.co.uk
– www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
Remember that some of the revision sites have downloadable audio materials that you can save to your MP3 device.

Read past papers and mark schemes to familiarise yourself with examination techniques.
Allow time to complete one practice paper, undisturbed, per week. Look at answers only when you have finished, and try to mark your own work. If you leave any questions out, make sure you look up these answers in a textbook or your notes. This allows you to identify any gaps in your knowledge.
Keep a record of the scores of any papers you do to see if your marks are improving – if there is no improvement you need to spend more time revising.
Ask a friend to test your knowledge.

For more information, see the full course specification.