Exam Guides & Study Notes
Exam guides, past-paper technique and free sample notes — HKDSE ICT, IB DP Computer Science and IGCSE CS.
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Guide
The Complete IB DP Computer Science Preparation Guide (2027 Syllabus)
Themes A and B mapped, SL vs HL papers compared, Java-or-Python guidance, and a term-by-term study plan for IB DP Computer Science — first assessment 2027, from a tutor who teaches both levels.
IB Computer Science IA: Every Criterion Explained (2027 Syllabus)
The IB CS Internal Assessment is 30 marks across five criteria — and 12 of them sit in the product itself. Here is what each criterion rewards, the word limits that bite, and a timeline that keeps the one-draft rule safe.
IGCSE Computer Science 0478: The Complete Preparation Guide
Both papers compared — 1h45 and 75 marks each — how the two content strands split across them, what the examiner provides, and a revision sequence that targets the marks, from a tutor who teaches 0478.
The Complete HKDSE ICT Preparation Guide (2026)
Paper structure, topic weighting, electives compared, and a week-by-week study plan for HKDSE ICT (revised curriculum) — Paper 1 and the Paper 2 electives, from an experienced ICT tutor.
Exam tips
IB Computer Science Command Terms: What Each Word Wants From Your Answer
State, describe, explain, evaluate — IB CS command terms set the depth of every answer, and half the paper marks analysis. A working reference with the response depth each term demands, plus how the 8–10 mark bands are awarded.
HKDSE ICT Command Words: How to Answer for Full Marks
Learn the difference between State, Define, Describe, Explain, and Justify — and how to answer each for full marks in HKDSE ICT structured questions.
10 Common Mistakes in HKDSE ICT Paper 1 (and How to Fix Them)
From confusing validation with verification to SQL clause order — learn the mistakes that cost HKDSE ICT students marks every year, with clear fixes.
SQL Survival Guide for HKDSE ICT Paper 2A
SQL clause order, WHERE vs HAVING, INNER vs LEFT JOIN, DDL vs DML — every pattern you need for Paper 2A Databases, with worked examples and a 20-query drill plan.
Sample notes
Cambridge IGCSE Pseudocode Rules: The Conventions That Cost Marks
Colon declarations, the assignment arrow, OUTPUT never PRINT, NEXT with its identifier — the Cambridge 0478 pseudocode conventions examiners expect, with the classic wrong-notation traps and how to drill them.
Number Systems & Binary Arithmetic — Free HKDSE ICT Study Notes
Binary, decimal, hexadecimal conversions; two's complement; binary arithmetic; BCD & Gray code; storage calculations — everything that recurs in HKDSE ICT MCQs and structured questions.
ER Diagrams & Normalisation to 3NF — Free HKDSE ICT Study Notes
ER modelling (Chen notation, relationships, participation); keys (PK/FK/candidate/composite); normalisation ladder 1NF→2NF→3NF with running example; exam patterns — every database concept tested in HKDSE ICT Paper 2.