How to Get an A* in IGCSE ICT

Want to know how to get an A* in IGCSE ICT? You’re in the right place. This guide reveals proven strategies that go beyond just revision.

Whether you’re aiming for top marks or pushing yourself into the A* bracket, this article will show you what sets apart the highest-performing students. From mastering theory to perfecting practical skills, these tips will help you excel across all three components.

Understand the exam inside out

Too many students revise without knowing exactly what they’re preparing for. The first step towards an A* is understanding your exam structure and assessment weightings.

Cambridge IGCSE ICT (0417) has three components:

• Paper 1 – Theory (1h 30m, 40%)

  • Covers all 21 syllabus topics, from hardware and software to safety, security, and the impact of ICT.

• Paper 2 – Document Production, Databases, and Presentations (2h 15m, 30%)

  • Tests practical skills in creating professional documents, managing databases, and designing presentations.

• Paper 3 – Spreadsheets and Website Authoring (2h 15m, 30%)

  • Assesses spreadsheet modelling, data analysis, and building websites using HTML and CSS.

A* students know exactly what’s required in each paper and practise accordingly. As one official Cambridge IGCSE ICT examiner advises:

“Learn the main facts, terms and concepts in your syllabus. Make sure that you understand what you have learnt. Do not simply memorise it. … Look at past papers so that you will know what your exam is going to look like.” – Examiner Report for IGCSE ICT 0417 (opens in a new tab)

Master your theory knowledge

Theory underpins everything you do in ICT. It’s not just about memorising definitions, it’s about understanding concepts and applying them in context.

Key areas to know:

• Types and components of computer systems – hardware, software, and emerging technologies.

• Networks and the effects of using them – including wi-fi, Bluetooth, cloud computing, and security measures.

• Safety, security, and legal issues – from eSafety to data protection legislation.

• ICT applications – such as modelling, booking systems, retail systems, and expert systems.

Top strategies:

• Turn every syllabus point into a quiz question or flashcard.

• Use mind maps to connect related topics, such as linking types of communication with their advantages, disadvantages, and suitable uses.

• Practise with past paper questions early to learn how theory is tested.

If you want more tips on mastering revision for ICT, check out our ‘How to Revise for IGCSE ICT’ article."

Excel in practical skills

Practical papers account for 60% of your final grade, so they can make or break your A*. The best students treat these as performance exams where every click counts.

Paper 2 essentials:

• Document production – consistent styles, accurate proofing, correct headers and footers, and clear layouts.

• Databases – choosing correct data types, creating relationships, using queries, and formatting professional reports.

• Presentations – using master slides, consistent formatting, and adding appropriate multimedia.

Paper 3 essentials:

• Spreadsheets – use SUM, IF, LOOKUP functions, conditional formatting, and absolute or relative cell references confidently.

• Website authoring – write and edit HTML and CSS, use correct tags, link stylesheets, and ensure content is well-structured.

Pro tip: Always practise with the exact software, or as close as possible, to what you’ll use in the exam. Menu layouts and shortcut keys can differ between versions.

Perfect your exam technique

Even strong ICT students can lose marks through poor technique. A* students:

• Highlight command words like explain, compare, and evaluate as they tell you how to structure your answer.

• Plan longer answers to include keywords from the mark scheme.

• Build exam stamina with timed practice.

• Double-check file names, locations, and formats in practical papers.

Learn by teaching

If you can explain a topic clearly to someone else, you’ve mastered it.

• Run a mini-revision session for classmates.

• Create simplified notes for someone younger.

• Explain tricky concepts like encryption or validation to a non-ICT friend.

Tips from A* students

Real students who achieved A* grades share these golden tips:

• Create topic checklists – list every syllabus point and tick them off as you master each one.

• Use examiner reports – find out which topics cause the most mistakes and target them.

• Practise under pressure – set timers during practice sessions to simulate exam conditions.

• Think like an examiner – study mark schemes to see exactly what gets marks and how questions are structured.

• Balance your time – spend roughly 40% on theory and 60% on practical, reflecting the exam weightings.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Focusing only on theory or only on practical work

Balance is key; neglecting one will drag your overall grade down.

2. Ignoring website authoring

Many students put most of their effort into spreadsheets, but HTML and CSS skills are just as important in Paper 3.

3. Not checking work in practical exams

Leaving spelling mistakes, broken formulas, or missing screenshots can cost easy marks.

Frequently asked questions

What percentage do I need for an A*?

You typically need around 90% overall, though exact boundaries vary between exam sessions. Cambridge publishes these after each series.

Is Paper 3 harder than Paper 2?

It depends on your strengths. Paper 3 requires strong spreadsheet and website authoring skills, while Paper 2 focuses on document production, databases, and presentations. Both demand accuracy and time management.

How much should I practise?

Aim for 2–3 hours of practical work per week for several months before the exam. In the final month, increase this to daily sessions.

Can I practise using Google Workspace or other free tools?

They’re fine for learning concepts, but practise with the exact software your exam uses. Small interface differences can cost time in the real exam.

What’s the best way to revise theory?

Mix methods: use flashcards for definitions, mind maps for topic connections, and past paper questions for application. Teaching a concept to someone else is a great way to check your understanding.

Final thoughts

Getting an A* in IGCSE ICT is absolutely achievable with the right approach. Success comes from:

• Knowing the syllabus and exam structure inside out.

• Building both theoretical knowledge and practical precision.

• Practising consistently with past papers and real exam conditions.

• Avoiding the mistakes that trip up even strong candidates.

With targeted effort, attention to detail, and smart exam technique, that top grade is well within your reach.

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