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Head of Department
Mr M Peddle
Why choose the subject?
Computer Science is about problem solving with computer technology and computational thinking. Students develop their coding skills with Python and other languages to create solutions in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Students will enjoy the freedom and the creative challenges Computer Science offers. We also study the social consequences of the uses and abuses of computing technologies for the wider world, issues such as cyber-security, fake news and applications of Artificial Intelligence.
Who is eligible?
Students following this specification do not need to have any prior knowledge of Computer Science, although the vast majority have studied the subject at GCSE. Students who are likely to succeed will enjoy mathematics and logical thinking. Successful students must be curious about how technologies work for people, ready to experiment and ready to help transform the future.
Qualification Type: A Level (2 year) or AS Level (1 year)
Specification: Year 2023/2025 Advanced Level Award Examination Board: AQA 7517
For info about the AS Level click here
Paper 1:
• Fundamentals of programming
• Fundamentals of data structures
• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Theory of computation
• Fundamentals of functional programming
• Systematic approach to problem solving
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
• Fundamentals of databases
• Big Data
• Fundamentals of functional programming
Students choose their own project in the non-exam assessment. These have included: animations to simulate scientific concepts, building a social networking platform, route planning apps and using Artificial Intelligence to predict sports results. Computer Science provides transferrable skills in analysis and project management that are appreciated in any career.
Paper 1 Assessment: On-screen exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level.
Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an electronic answer document provided by AQA.
Paper 2 Assessment: Written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 40% of A-level, Compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions.
Non-exam assessment: 75 marks, 20% of A-level. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to solve or investigate a practical problem of their own choice.
Computer Science provides transferrable skills in analysis and project management that are appreciated in any career. There are skill shortages in all areas of computing in the UK and globally, with employers’ particularly welcoming female applicants. The course provides an excellent platform for those continuing with a Computer Science related degree at university, embarking on a digital technology apprenticeship or wanting to pursue a career in IT.
This course is commonly studied with:
As an A-Level subject, chemistry complements several other A-Level courses, including biology, maths, computer science, physics and design technology.
Future Careers:
Computer Science can lead to a wide variety of careers including Data Scientist, Cyber Security specialist, Web developer, Programmer, App Developer, Artificial Intelligence specialist, Games designer and developer, Network engineer, Technician, Systems Analyst.
Students can study computer science for just one academic year and achieve an AS qualification worth 40% of the UCAS points.
Specification: Year 2023/24 Advanced Subsidiary Award Examination Board: AQA 7516
Paper 1:
Fundamentals of programming Fundamentals of data structures Systematic approach to problem solving Theory of computation
Assessed: On-screen exam, 1 hour 45 minutes , 50% of AS Level. Questions: Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an electronic answer document provided by AQA.
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
Assessed: Written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of AS Level. Questions: A series of short-answer and extended-answer questions.
