Computer Science 

A-Level 

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 7517

Course Leader: Mr J Partrick

Contact Email: jpartrick@tgschool.net

Are you interested in:

  • Computer programming?

  • Engineering?

  • How the Internet works?

  • Mathematical thinking and problem solving?

What Will I Study?

A-Level Computer Science is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of computer science principles, programming, and the impact of technology on society. The course covers a range of topics including programming, algorithms and data structures, computer systems, networks, along with the ethical implications of technology and its impact on society. This course will develop your technical understanding and ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.

The AQA specification includes 23 content sections, taught over two years, with three assessment tasks in the close of the second year.

The AQA subject content:

  1. Fundamentals of programming
  2. Fundamentals of data structures
  3. Systematic approach to problem solving
  4. Theory of computation
  5. Fundamentals of data representation
  6. Fundamentals of computer systems
  7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
  8. Consequences of uses of computing
  9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
  10. Fundamentals of programming
  11. Fundamentals of data structures
  12. Fundamentals of algorithms
  13. Theory of computation
  14. Fundamentals of data representation
  15. Fundamentals of computer systems
  16. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
  17. Consequences of uses of computing
  18. Fundamentals of communication and networking
  19. Fundamentals of databases
  20. Big Data
  21. Fundamentals of functional programming
  22. Systematic approach to problem solving
  23. Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

Additional Entry Requirements:

Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language, Maths, Science and Computer Science.

Assessment:

Paper 1: On screen Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
This paper tests a student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science from subject content 1-4, 10-13 above and the skills required from section 22 above.
40% of A-level

Paper 2: Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions from subject content 5-9, 14-21 above.
40% of A-level

Non-Exam Assessment:
The non-exam assessment assesses students’ ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving, as shown in section 22 above.
75 marks, 20% of A-Level.

Leading to futures in:

Many students go on to study computer science, software engineering or a web applications course at university. Other options might be digital forensics, robotics, game design or remote sensing. The list of possible areas of study is long and growing all the time as new applications for technology are invented.