Computer Science

Board: AQA/7517

What will I study? How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: 2½ hour onThinking computa onally is an ‐screen exam. important life skill. The course looks at 40% of the A‐level. Ques ons involve how a computer works and how to get theory and programming. the best from it and covers a range of topical areas of study. Paper 2: 2½ hour wri en paper. The course covers: 40% of the A‐level. • Internal computer components Non‐exam assessment: To solve or • Cyber security inves gate a prac cal problem, for • Data representa on example by programming a database or • Effect of digital technology on society game. • Programming 20% of the A‐level. • Networking and the Internet • So ware development Students will have the op on of taking The course has a mathema cal element AS Computer Science at the end of the and students are expected to be two year course as an alterna ve to the full Aprecise in their defini ons and ‐level. explana ons. It would be beneficial, but not essen al, to have studied the subject at GCSE. Why Computer Science? Computer Science A‐level is for any How does it work? student who has an interest in computers and those who want an Study for the non‐exam assessment understanding of how to get a and for parts of paper 1 is very prac cal computer to do what you want it to do. with both Python and Lua programming Technology is embedded in every being emphasised. This will be largely aspect of our lives and Computer self‐paced learning. Study for the Science is being used help solve many theore cal aspects of Paper 1 and of the world's biggest problems. The Paper 2 is done through a variety of ability to program is viewed favourably teaching methods including a flipped by a large number of university courses. 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. 12