Cambridge O Level Computer Science is an ideal foundation for further study in Computer Science. Understanding the principles of Computer Science provides learners with the underpinning knowledge required for many other subjects in science and engineering, and the skills learned can also be used in everyday life.
Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied Computer Science or IT previously. In this article we will discuss the prerequisites for Cambridge O Level Computer Science and how Noon can help you in the learning process with some tips and tricks to prepare for the exam and ace it.
How to get started with the O levels computer science course?
Understand the Computer Science O level syllabus
Cambridge Computer Science O Level syllabus places emphasis on the use of procedural high-level programming languages. To get started with O Level Computer Science, you need to have access to the complete syllabus. Also, it is recommended to get your hands on any textbooks endorsed to support the O level syllabus.
The syllabus is divided into two sections. Section 1 comprises of Theory of Computer Science which has further five sections containing content as follows:
- Data Representation: Binary systems, Hexadecimal, Data storage
- Communication and Internet technologies: Data transmission, Security aspects, Internet principles of operation
- Hardware and Software: Logic gates, Input & output devices, Memory, storage devices & media, Operating systems, High & low-level languages and their translators
- Security: How the learned can be applied to real-life scenarios while keeping it safe
- Ethics: Develop an understanding of computer ethics, including copyright issues and plagiarism
Section 2 is about Practical Problem-solving and Programming where students are encouraged to develop solutions using a high-level programming languageS, such as Visual Basic, Pascal/Delphi or Python. This section also includes algorithm designing, pseudocodes, flowcharts, and databases.
Noon is a free e-learning app for students, where you can attend live classes and find teachers easily. Here you will be able to learn with people you like – your friends and teachers – using fun quizzes, practice questions, informative learning material, and much more.
Noon has professional teachers to make learning fun for students. Dedicated teacher Mr.Zain Merchant teaches O Level Computer Science, He has also been associated with the leading colleges including Cedar College, Nixor College, and Sceptre College. He has also taught at Southshore, BCCD, and Reads College. Plus he works in the data analysis and software development sector which helps him bring practical and real-time examples to the students.
Attend live classes, participate in live chat with your teacher and your friends, and get your doubts cleared – all during the class. Noon is the best free online education platform with interactive classrooms. During your online classes, you can take a breakout with your friends into groups to learn better and ace your tests.
Making the full use of the Computer Science O level book
The computer science O level book is your most valuable tool to passing the final exam. The official textbook covers the entire syllabus in the right level of detail, ensuring that students are familiar with the basics of the course. The language used is non technical and thus quite easy to understand.
You should go through the entire computer science O level book at least once as part of your study routine. You can also highlight important terms and headings and revisit them during your final prep.
Lastly, use your computer science book to take better notes. It can be hard to take notes in class while also paying attention to your teacher. Tallying your notes with the contents of your textbook can help ensure that you don’t miss anything important.
Which areas should I focus on to ace O levels computer science exam?
To ace the exam O levels computer science you need to know the paper pattern.
Paper 1 is about Theory which has 60% weightage. This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. This paper is 75 marks.
Paper 2 is regarding Problem-solving and Programming. This written paper contains short-answer and structured questions. The paper is 50 marks and has 40% weightage.
You will get 1 hour 45 minutes to solve each paper and calculators are not permitted in both papers.
How to attempt final exams?
- Always start with a detailed study of each chapter. Most of the equations are from books and syllabus so atleast study each chapter 3 times. After you have read the chapter, complete the topical past papers of that chapter for the past 10 years. Solve past papers from latest to oldest. Try to check each answer from the marking scheme and also revise the marketing scheme thoroughly. Similarly, do this for the rest of the chapters. You should also be memorizing the content from the book. For example, in the Ethics chapter, you need to memorize ethical considerations. Learn the standards as well the difference between different types of systems.
- Writing in bullets is one of the criteria that can stand you out in the finals rather than in essay form. This practice is in total contradiction to answering techniques in other subjects, so understand that this technique must not be applied to any other subject. The number of bullets per question should not exceed the total marks of the question. All bullets must be different from other bullets in the same answer. Each bullet should be meaningful and not just to fill the space. For the quality of answers, examiner reports should be observed and common mistakes by students attempting exams must be kept in mind while answering.
- There is quite a chance that unusual topics could appear. Ofcourse they will not be out of the blue but sometimes questions are molded differently to test you from another perspective. To tackle this, past papers will be helpful but you also need to think of solving a question from several methods. While reading the chapters, you will observe that some things can be questioned in several ways. Here your creativity and proactivity is all it takes. So, expect the unexpected and do not miss any topic to stay on top of everything.
- The first thing to do is read over the entire exam paper carefully. Spend a good ten minutes reading before you write anything. Work out which order you are going to answer the questions, and plan your time accordingly. Take careful note of the marking scheme as well when planning. Write down the plan on the back sheet of your answer book and you can always score it out later. It helps you feel in control, and that helps keep you calm.
- Attempt easy questions first and more technical ones after that. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, getting one question safely under your belt at the start of an exam is a wonderful confidence boost, and can help reduce any feelings of panic that might arise when looking at the harder questions.The second reason is that the easiest question is likely to take less time than the average. That means you’ll be ahead of schedule from the start which will be another good confidence boost. So, when you get round to the most difficult question, you are free to spend all the time you have left on it.
What to do before the final exam?
- Take care of your body and help your mind get ready for your final. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating a good meal the morning of your exam, and drinking enough water can make a positive difference in your exam grade.
- Time management in the last few days before finals week will be essential to your success. By planning out your study sessions, eliminating distractions, and gathering all your study guides, you will put yourself in the best position on exam day.
- Drinking some caffeine before attempting your exam can help keep your mind awake. But beware of taking way too much caffeine, all-night cramming, and bleary, tired eyes are not the best option for students who want to do well on a final exam.
- Maintaining focus during the days before a final can make the difference between just passing a course and getting a top grade. One of the best ways to maintain focus is finding somewhere to study that is a comfortable and controlled environment and does not have any distractions.
- Actively try to understand the materials, not just memorize the syllabus. Highlight key points in your textbook and notes, annotate any resources that can help you learn the syllabus. Ensuring that you fully comprehend the material is a solid success strategy so you can add your perspective while answering the questions.
- Prepare to write short and to-the-point answers. To do so in the exam, read a question carefully and understand the sense of the question. Try to limit your answer to the requirement and avoid writing huge paragraphs describing something that either does not need explaining, or that has not even been asked.
- Avoid writer’s block, you haven’t got time for it. If you get stuck on a question, move on. Start doing another one. Staring at a question you don’t know how to answer is a waste of time, and you’d be amazed how often, when coming back to a question after half an hour, it suddenly becomes clear.
How can Noon help prepare for O levels computer science?
Live classes
Noon offers live interactive classes where students can communicate directly with the teacher and other students as they would do in an actual classroom setting. While the teacher is delivering the lesson, students are allowed to ask questions and clarify confusion in the live chat available. The teacher can also ask quick questions to assess the learning of students and keep them involved in the class. Just in case you have missed a session, you can always access the recording and catch up.
Past papers
Solving past papers can be a nerve-racking experience, but it also boosts confidence for your exam. They become more complicated at first, but have proven to produce excellent results for students all over the world.
Most students work on past papers before taking their O level Computer Science exam. Noon assists its students in adhering to exam format and requirements. We encourage our students to read widely and to prepare for writing and reading exams. Our past paper guide walks them through multiple practise series to help them get an A*. At Noon, we guide our students and share tips on how to do well on past paper questions.
Our teachers put in a lot of effort to help our students learn and practise. Our teachers provide chapter-by-chapter past papers so that students can gain a better understanding of concepts, terms, and definitions.
Do you prefer to ask questions in person because you are unsure how your teacher will respond? Don’t worry, Noon teachers give each student individual attention and provide personal feedback on their assessments so that they can learn from their mistakes and avoid their exams.
We provide multiple practice past paper exams so you don’t miss anything important. We distribute quizzes, MCQs, and questions to all of our students on a regular basis. We want you to be our next Noon Topper, after all. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Noon App and join us for our past paper session.
Join this group and learn with Sir Ghulam Rasool, our qualified Computer Science teacher.
Mock Examination
We administer mock exams and assessments to provide students with real-time feedback and to track their progress. We generate your personalised performance report and keep track of your progress. In addition to our mock exam, we also share tips and tricks to help you gain confidence and score higher marks. We teach you how to respond in such a way that examiners will give your paper an A*.
We have a successful exam strategy that will help you perform well in exams. Before you take our mock exam, we’ll give you some pointers. Our instructors focus on an interactive LIVE session that answers all of your questions and allows you to come up with any challenges before sitting in for your mocks.
Check out our O level Computer Science course syllabus, which is available on the Noon app. Before your O level exam, get winning advice, feedback, and your own performance report.
Active Community
There is an active community of students where you can ask subject-related questions and just interact with your peers. A fun game is also available to practice with your classmates. This inculcates teamwork while helping and motivating each other to learn in a fun way. You can also invite your friends to the group or throw a competition to challenge them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best O level Academy for Computer Science?
While you may find a decent O level Academy in you neighborhood, opting for Noon Academy may be your best option. What makes Noon the ideal O level academy for computer science is the flexibility it offers. Our platforms high quality educational resources including expert computer science teachers, can be accessed from the comfort of your home and save you the hassle of commuting to a physical location. You can also pace your study sessions as you please and benefit from a network of like minded individuals eager to ace their o levels.
2. How to become an O level topper in Pakistan 2023
With competition for scoring top marks increasing each passing year, becoming an O level topper in Pakistan 2023 is no easy task, but it also isn’t impossible.
Those wishing to become an O level topper in Pakistan can benefit from the following tips:
– studying regularly and intensively from early morning until late at night;
– paying close attention in class;
– practicing challenging problems often;
– striving for excellence even when it isn’t easy.