Garth Hill College'A' Level Computer Science
Exam Board and syllabus code
- AQA AS Level Computer Science 7516
- AQA A-Level ComputerScience 7517
Content AS
1. Fundamentals of programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
3. Software development
4. Theory of computation
5. Fundamentals of data representation
6. Fundamentals of computer systems
7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
8. Consequences of uses of computing
9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
Content A2
1. Fundamentals of programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
3. Fundamentals of algorithms
4. Theory of computation
5. Systematic approach to problem solving
6. Fundamentals of data representation
7. Fundamentals of computer systems
8. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
9. Consequences of uses in computing
10. Fundamentals of communication and networking
11. Fundamentals of databases
12. Big Data
13. Fundamentals of functional programming
14. Systematic approach to problem solving
15. Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project
Assessment AS
- Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 minutes of externally assessed on screen examination with a weighting of 50% of the AS Level, thisexamination assesses the students understanding of topics 1 – 4.
- Paper 2 – 1 hour and 30 minutes externally assessed examination with a weighting of 50% of the AS Level, this examinationassesses the students understanding of topics 5 – 9.
Assessment A2
- Paper 1 – 2 hours 30 minutes of externally assessed on screen examination with a weighting of 40% of the A-Level, thisexamination assesses the students understanding of topics 1 – 4.
- Paper 2 – 2 hours 30 minutes of externally assessed examination with a weighting of 40% of the A- Level, this examinationassesses the students understanding of topics 5 – 12.
- Non-exam assessment – 75 mark piece of coursework with a weighting of 20% of the A-Level, this assessment assesses the students ability to follow a systematic approach to problem solving as shown in section 13.
Skills/Aptitudes needed to succeed
Students will require the following skills to succeed in Computer Science: Basic Mathematics skills, ability to problem solveand think logical, basic English and writing skills.
The students will be expected to be highly motivated, organised, punctual, determined and the ability to persevere.
Benefits and Uses
Computer Science is a highly sort after qualification, with many universities looking for students who have the skills and aptitudes of those who have studied Computer Science at A Level. It opens doors to careers in the following industries: Website Design & Development, Software Development, Games Design & Development, IT Consultancy, Digital Media, Animation, Hardware Design & Management, Network Management, System Administrators and many, many more.
