Course Overview
Advances in computing are transforming the way we work and this course has been designed to allow you to gain a broad understanding of Computer Science. It offers you excellent progression opportunities into higher education and the ability to thrive in the work place.
Course Content
You will study the following topics:
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
Exams
You will sit two exams and complete one NEA.
Paper 1 is a programming exam completed on computers, Paper 2 is a written exam in the hall.
The NEA is a programming project that is completed over at least 50 hours outside of the classroom.
Course Entry Requirements
6 or above in GCSE Mathematics
5 or above at GCSE
Course Specification
AQA 7517
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/computing/specifications/AQA-7516-7517-SP-2015.PDF
Homework
At A Level, students are expected to complete a minimum of 5 hours of study a week on top of their allocated lesson time.