Course Choices Video

Why study A-level Computer Science?

Computer Science is an exciting and essential subject for any budding A-level students. Whether we like it or not, the world is dominated by computers. Almost all industries have a digital element and A-level Computer Science helps you prepare for this eventuality by helping you develop a solid understanding of how the computers you use daily actually work.

What are the careers or further education that this course be suitable for?

Careers in Computer Science itself are an obvious next step, and at university level you will have the ability to choose a specialisation in one area of Computer Science such as AI/Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Games Programmers, and many other different career paths.

Computer Science can also set up excellent opportunities to develop your practical skills further within the workforce with many companies offering excellent apprentice schemes for students wanting to head straight into work after Sixth Form.

Key Information Summary:

Course Title

Computer Science

Examination Board

AQA

Linear Qualification?

Yes

Course Webpage

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/computer-science/a-level/computer-science-7517/specification

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in Maths and a Grade 5 in Computer Science

Contact Teachers

Mr Moore: omoore@wilmslowhigh.com
Mrs Malaney: hmalaney@wilmslowhigh.com

Course Details:

AQA Computer Science is a linear course finishing with two examinations at the end of the two years. There is also an extended coursework that requires to complete a full development project. Computer Science covers a wide range of different topics and at Wilmslow we split the topic list into 27 individual student learning records (or SLRs, for short). This is what we cover over the two years:

  • SLR1 - Programming Basics
  • SLR2 - Programming Next Steps
  • SLR3 - Programming Paradigms
  • SLR4 - Data Structures
  • SLR5 - Algorithms
  • SLR6 - Abstraction and Automation
  • SLR7 - Regular and Context Free Languages
  • SLR8 - Classification of Algorithms
  • SLR9 - A Model of Computation
  • SLR10 - Number Systems & Bases
  • SLR11 - Binary
  • SLR12 - Coding Text and Graphics
  • SLR13 - Coding Sound and Music
  • SLR14 - Hardware and Software
  • SLR15 - Programming Languages and Translators
  • SLR16 - Logic Gates and Boolean Algebra
  • SLR17 - Internal Computer Architecture
  • SLR18 - Input and Output Devices
  • SLR19 - Moral, Societal, Ethical, Legal and Cultural Issues
  • SLR20 - Communication
  • SLR21 - Networking and The Internet
  • SLR22 - TCP-IP and Protocols
  • SLR23 - Databases
  • SLR24 - Big Data
  • SLR25 - Functional Programming Paradigms
  • SLR26 - Writing Functional Programs
  • SLR27 - Aspects of Software Development

Assessment details:

A-level – 2 Year Course

Paper 1 (40% of A-level)
2 hour 30 minute examination completed on screen assessing:
Programming, data structures, algorithms, a systematic approach to problem solving and the theory of computation.

Paper 2 (40% of A-level)
2 hour 30 minute paper assessing:
Data representation, computer systems, computer organization and architecture, consequences of using computing, communication and networking, databases, big data and functional programming.

NEA (20% of A-level)
A practical programming project completed both in lessons and personal study time designing and developing a solution to a realistic problem.