Computer Science (A-Level)

Advanced Level Qualification

Course Outline

This specification has been created to get students working with real–world programming and provides a good understanding of the fundamental principles of computing and computational thinking. This provides an academically challenging specification for students of all ability levels. You can choose from a range of programming languages for non–exam assessment, so you can tailor your specification to the preferences of the students.

AS Level

Fundamentals of programming
Fundamentals of data structures
Systematic approach to problem solving
Theory of computation
Fundamentals of data representation
Fundamentals of computer systems
Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
Consequences of uses of computing
Fundamentals of communication and networking

A Level

Fundamentals of programming
Fundamentals of data structures
Fundamentals of algorithms
Theory of computation
Fundamentals of data representation
Fundamentals of computer systems
Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
Consequences of uses of computing
Fundamentals of communication and networking
Fundamentals of databases
Big Data
Fundamentals of functional programming Systematic approach to problem solving
Non–exam assessment – the computing practical project

Assessment Criteria

AS Level Paper 1

Tests student’s ability to program
Theoretical knowledge of computer science from subject
content 1–4 above.
On–screen exams worth 50% of AS
Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/ extend programs

AS Level Paper 2

Tests student’s ability to answer questions from subject
content 5–9 above.
Written exam
50% of AS

A Level Paper 1

Tests student’s ability to program
Theoretical knowledge of computer science from subject content 10–13 above.
On–screen exams
Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/ extend programs in an Electronic Answer Document provided by the exam board.
40% of AS

A Level Paper 2

Tests student’s ability to
answer questions from subject
content 14–21 above.
Written exam
40% of AS

A Level Paper 3

Assesses student’s 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
20% of AS

Exam Board AQA
Course Code 7516/7517
AS Available Yes
Entry Requirements Grade 6 in Computing
Exam Papers 5
Course Work No
Prior Study Compulsory

Course Progression and Additional Information

Higher education courses such as Computer Science, Information Systems, game Design, Software engineering, Artificial intelligence and Health Informatics offer a wide range of careers ranging from Website and game designing, Scientific and technical research and design, Systems architect and AI and machine learning engineer.

Computer Science (A-Level)

Computer Science (A-Level)

Advanced Level Qualification

Sixth Form Overview

Sixth Form Curriculum

Secondary Teachers

Course Outline

Assessment Criteria

Course Progression and Additional Information

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