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COMPUTER-SCIENCE-H046 · Cambridge OCR AS Level

Computer Science - H046 Exam Tips

In the OCR AS Level Computer Science (H046) exam, you face two papers: H046/01 Computing Principles and H046/02 Algorithms and Problem Solving. Both papers allot exactly 70 marks to be completed in 75 minutes. This leaves you with exactly 1.07 minutes per mark. To win the time ba…

Source: OCR

Papers

2

Total marks

140

Time limit

2h 30min

Grade scale

ABCDEU

Additional note

Calculator policy

A scientific or graphical calculator that meets JCQ regulations may be used (some GCSE Mathematics and Science papers are non-calculator). Graphical calculators must be set to exam mode; you must clear any stored programs, notes or data before the exam, and the calculator must not be able to retrieve stored text or formulae.

Assessment objectives

AO1): Show your technical accuracy. If the question asks to compare Von Neumann and Harvard architectures, clearly state that Von Neumann utilizes a unified memory space and single bus system for both instructions and data, whereas Harvard architecture splits memory blocks and buses, separating data from instructions.AO2): Contextualize. Never write a generic textbook essay. If the scenario concerns a secondary school installing "thin client" systems, write explicitly about the school's bandwidth demands, network congestion risks when multiple classrooms boot up, and cost-efficiency in maintenance for the school's IT staff.AO3): Formulate a balanced, critical judgment. Weight the advantages against the drawbacks and finish with a highly justified, logical conclusion that resolves the core issue presented in the scenario.

2

Papers

5

Strategies

9

Mistakes

  • In the OCR AS Level Computer Science (H046) exam, you face two papers: H046/01 Computing Principles and H046/02 Algorithms and Problem Solving. Both papers allot exactly 70 marks to be completed in 75 minutes. This leaves you with exactly 1.07 minutes per mark. To win the time battle, you must adopt a strict pacing strategy on exam day:

Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.