A-Level

Computer Science

Downward coding on a page to represent Computer Science A Level at EBS
Computer Science

Entry Criteria

Maths GCSE

Grade 5

Computer Science GCSE

Grade 5

or programming experience

Careers

Students that study A-Level Computer Science may undertake a career in which all career paths linked to the use of modern-day technology are available. Cyber security, AI technology, games, mobile and automobile development are a few of the industries that are possible career paths. Many degrees relating to software development of computing require industrial placements in which learners can make contacts and experience programming in the real world. These opportunities further enrich learners, preparing them for employment in industry. 

Can We Help?

If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please click here to contact the Head of Faculty/Department.

Course ID
AQA 7517
Faculty
Computing
Department
Computing
Level
A-Level
Head of Faculty
Head of Department
J. Warr
Availability
Currently Studied, Offered Next Academic Year (subject to enrolment numbers)
Computer Science

Course Overview

By the end of Key Stage 5, you will be armed with an impressive toolkit of tech skills that are essential in today’s fast-paced industry. You will dive deep into cutting-edge technologies like network configuration, internet subnet masking, RFID tagging, printing devices, and multithreading computer systems. This isn’t just textbook stuff – it’s the real deal that businesses are using right now!

Get ready to unleash your creativity as you design, develop, and test software that solves real-world problems. You will explore the latest trends, including artificial intelligence, and incorporate exciting concepts like projectile motion and Dijkstra’s algorithm into your projects.

But that’s not all! Our curriculum also includes a hands-on unit where you will analyse existing software products. You will learn how to adapt and enhance them as business needs and user demands evolve, making you a vital player in the tech industry. This course is your chance to think like a tech innovator, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Are you ready to code your future and make an impact? Let’s get started!

Course Content

Year 12

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

SLR 01 – Programming basics 

SLR 02 – Programming next steps 

SLR 03 – Programming paradigms 

SLR 04 – Data structures 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 
Autumn 2

SLR 05 – Algorithms 

SLR 06 – Abstraction and automation 

SLR 07 – Regular & context free languages 

SLR 08 – Classification of algorithms 

SLR 09 – A model of computation 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 
Spring 1

SLR 12 – Coding text & graphics 

SLR 13 – Hardware & software 

SLR 14 – Coding sound & music 

Lesson application and demonstration; book look; end of unit exam. 
Spring 2

SLR 10 – Number systems and bases 

SLR 11 – Binary 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 
Summer 1

SLR 15 – Programming languages & translators 

SLR 16 – Logic gates & Boolean algebra 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 
Summer 2 Project work/NEA analysis  Mock exam 

 

Year 13

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1

SLR 20 – Communication 

SLR 21 – Networks & the Internet 

SLR 22 – TCP IP & protocols 

 

NEA coursework (20%) 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 

Autumn 2

SLR 17 – Internal computer architecture 

SLR 18 – Input & output devices 

SLR 19 – Moral, social, legal, cultural issues 

 

NEA coursework (20%) 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 
Spring 1

SLR 23 – Databases 

SLR 24 – Functional programming paradigms 

SLR 25  – Big data 

SLR 26 – Writing functional programs 

SLR 27 – Aspects of software development 

 

NEA coursework (20%) 

Lesson application and demonstration. Book look.
Mock examination 7517.
Spring 2

NEA coursework (20%) 

 

Revision 

Classwork assignments, flipped learning homework notes, unit summative tests 

 
Mock examination 7517

Summer 1 Recap Year 12 topics / Preliminary material and NEA. Revision. Completion of NEA tasks. 
Summer 2 A-Level Examination. A-Level Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 12

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
EBS Computing SharePoint; Stack Overflow. AQA AS and A Level Computer Science (PM Heathcote and RSU Heathcote); AQA A level Computer Science (Bob Reeve). AQA Converting between binary, hex and decimal; AQA ‘A’ Level Regular expression; Finite state machines; Types of Programming languages. Further maths activities.

 

Year 13

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
EBS Computing SharePoint; Stack Overflow. AQA AS and A Level Computer Science (PM Heathcote and RSU Heathcote); AQA A level Computer Science (Bob Reeve). AQA Converting between binary, hex and decimal; AQA ‘A’ Level Regular expression; Finite state machines; Types of Programming languages. Further maths activities.

 

Click here to learn more about our