Computer Science Board: AQA/7517 What will I study?
How will I be assessed?
Thinking computa onally is an important life skill. The course looks at how a computer works and how to get the best from it and covers a range of topical areas of study. The course covers:
Paper 1: 2½ hour on‐screen exam. 40% of the A‐level. Ques ons involve theory and programming.
• Internal computer components • Cyber security • Data representa on • Effect of digital technology on society • Programming • Networking and the Internet • So ware development
Non‐exam assessment: To solve or inves gate a prac cal problem, for example by programming a database or game. 20% of the A‐level.
The course has a mathema cal element and students are expected to be precise in their defini ons and explana ons. It would be beneficial, but not essen al, to have studied the subject at GCSE.
How does it work? Study for the non‐exam assessment and for parts of paper 1 is very prac cal with both Python and Lua programming being emphasised. This will be largely self‐paced learning. Study for the theore cal aspects of Paper 1 and Paper 2 is done through a variety of teaching methods including a flipped classroom approach and self‐research. The specifica on looks at how computers store and manipulate data, encryp on techniques, details about networking, the Internet and how data can be stored and manipulated.
Paper 2: 2½ hour wri en paper. 40% of the A‐level.
Students will have the op on of taking AS Computer Science at the end of the two year course as an alterna ve to the full A‐level.
Why Computer Science? Computer Science A‐level is for any student who has an interest in computers and those who want an understanding of how to get a computer to do what you want it to do. Technology is embedded in every aspect of our lives and Computer Science is being used help solve many of the world's biggest problems. The ability to program is viewed favourably by a large number of university courses.
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