Computer science OCR GCSE

I am learning how to write in python for my exam and I've got to a point where I feel I'm banging my head on a brick wall. I feel I am not getting better at coding and I just always answer the question wrong. I do not know what to do and how to get better as I attempt python challenges which are either too hard or too easy. Any recommendations as to how to revise and get better at coding?

Reply 1

MA_Uni_24

Here are some resources for learning Python you might find useful:

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Snakify: https://snakify.org/en/

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I found this really useful when learning Python - it explains everything very thoroughly with examples, and then gives you multiple challenges to try. I wouldn't go past two-dimensional arrays for GCSE (unless you really want to).

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Craig 'n' Dave's Time 2 Code course: https://time2code.today/python-course

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I've never used this, but it looks really good for GCSE.

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Craig 'n' Dave videos: https://www.youtube.com/@craigndave

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Look for playlists about programming.

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W3Schools Python tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/python/

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Make sure you only do what's on the specification (again, unless you want to go further).

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Code Marker: https://www.codemarker.uk/

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Lots of coding challenges, categorised into GCSE and A Level - I think there's a free version and a paid-for (by teachers) version, but I'm not sure if the free version has answers.

Definitely attempt questions from past papers, which you can find here: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/assessment/

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These are great for revision in general, but you'll only find coding questions on Paper 2.

It's also really important to look at the specification (https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/computer-science-j277-from-2020/) to see what you need to be able to do for the exam.

Lastly, if you're struggling with figuring out algorithms for your programs, try creating flowcharts before attempting to code your solutions (the past papers also have questions on this).

Good luck!

Reply 2