In Cambridge A Level Computer Science (9618), Paper 2 (Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills) is where most students lose their A*.
1. Do Not Memorize Code
Many students try to memorize the exact pseudocode for a bubble sort or linear search. Cambridge examiners know this, so they will ask you to apply the algorithm to a weird scenario. You must understand the logic behind the loops.
2. Trace Tables are Your Lifeline
If you are given a complex piece of pseudocode and asked 'What is the output?', do not try to do it in your head. Draw a trace table. Create a column for every variable and update the values row by row as you trace through the loops. This guarantees you won't make a silly logic error.
3. Learn the Official Cambridge Syntax
Cambridge uses a very specific flavor of pseudocode. <- for assignment, OUTPUT instead of print, and specific loop structures (FOR...TO...NEXT). If you use Python syntax in a pseudocode question, you will lose marks. Read the official Cambridge pseudocode guide!