Computer Science
A-level
Examination Board: AQA
Specification: 7517
Course Leader: Mr J Partrick
Contact Email: jpartrick@tgschool.net
What Will I Study?
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
Entry Requirements
Students require five GCSEs at 9-5 including English, Maths and Science, with GCSE Computer Science ideally Grade 5 or above or a BTEC DIT at grade L2M or above.
Assessment (In Year 13)
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.
Where Next?
University to study courses such as:
Computer Games Design
Computer Programming
Business Information Technology
Business Computing and IT
Computing Forensics
Digital Technology Solutions
Computer Hardware and Software Engineering
Digital Technology Innovation
Computer and Cyber Forensics
Alternatively, you have acquired skills to support you in many future careers, such as:
Mobile Application Developer
Web Developer
Software Engineer
Game Developer
IT Trainer
Information Systems Manager
IT consultant
Cloud Architect
Computer Forensic Investigator
Health IT Specialist
Information Technology Vendor Manager
Data Modeller
Geospatial Professional
Cyber Security Analyst