A Level Computer Science
Awarding Body |
Course Code |
Head of Department |
|
AQA |
7516 | Mr Oliver Jennings | jennin-o@beaconsfieldhigh.bucks.sch.uk |
Computer Science is one of the fastest growing academic disciplines. Part science, part creative and part humanities, it is theoretical, practical and challenging.
The two year A Level course will extend your knowledge and understanding of programming in Python, take a deeper dive into how computers work and further develop your understanding of the impact computing has had and will have in the future and how they influence societies and individuals.
While the A Level course is a stand-alone course, a 7 or above at GCSE or considerable experience of planning, implementing and testing computer code are highly recommended:
- Required:
- - Maths: Level 7
- Recommended:
- - Computer Science: 7
- - Experience coding in Python or another High-Level Language
A Level computer science would suit students who were either:
- considering reading Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence or some other course where a foundation in coding and how computers work will support their application
- considering reading engineering, sciences, medicine or any other course that is using computers and technology in a transformational way...
Course Content
Paper 1
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Theory of computation
Paper 2
- Fundamentals of data representation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
Non-exam Assessment
- Practical Computing Project
- Independent investigation and program development
- Completely open choice of project
For further details visit the AQA Computer Science AS page.
How is the course assessed?
Paper 1: This paper tests a student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of computer science
- On-Screen Exam (2h 30m)
- 40% of A Level
Paper 2: This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions from subject content listed above.
- Written Exam (2h 30m)
- 40% of A Level
Project: This project assesses a student's ability to solve or investigate a practical programming problem.
- Project / Investigation (50 hours approx.)
- 20% of A Level
How can families help?
- Visit Bletchley Park
Learn about computing and encryption at the home of the WWII codebreakers - Checkout the AQA Computer Science Specification
Download and review the AQA Computer Science Specification. - Sign Up to Sololearn and complete the Python 3 Tutorial.
Get to grips with the basics of Python programming