COMPUTER SCIENCE
GCSE to A-LEVEL TRANSITION
Topics to explore to prepare for A-level
Topics to explore to prepare for A-level
Welcome to A Level Computer Science - your first step to a great future!
The examination board for A Level Computer Science is AQA. You can find further information relating to the specification here: AQA Computer Science A-Level 7517
Paper 1 40%: Completed on a computer in exam conditions. This exam focuses upon programming and fundamentals of programming. It also includes the fundamentals of data structures, fundamentals of algorithms and the theory of computation
Paper 2 40%: This covers the 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, and systematic approaches to problem solving
Non Exam Element 20%: This is a project of your choosing that will be completed both in and outside of class.
It is not necessary for you to bring a laptop, we have two dedicated Computer Science rooms which include PCs with all the required software. However if you are purchasing a laptop, it is advantageous if it will run PyScripter and Visual Studio. Currently the most suitable option for this will be a Windows 11 laptop. In year 13 when creating your NEA, you will probably want to use an Integrated Development Environment and database that only work on a Windows PC. If you purchase an Apple Mac, you can use the AZURE website, there is a free 12 month trial version of this, however you may incur charges if you exceed 750 hours of use. If you receive pupil premium, please discuss other options with us.
The programming language that you will be learning for A Level Computer Science is python. To build your python skills ahead of the course you can work through the 'Python Fundementals' tutorial on the Mission Encodable website.