Units of study
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of programming
pg 1 – 32 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 1 – Programming basics
Chapter 2 – Selection
Chapter 3 – Iteration
Chapter 4 – Arrays
Chapter 5 – Subroutines
Chapter 6 – Files and exception handling
Unit 2 – Problem solving
pg 33 – 66 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 7 – Solving Logic Problems
pg 34
- Define the stages of software development
- Be able to develop solutions to simple logic problems
- Be able to check solutions to simple logic problems
Chapter 8 – Structured Programming
pg 39
- Understand the structured approach to program design and construction
- Be able to construct and use hierarchy charts when designing programs
- Be able to explain the advantages of the structured approach
Chapter 9 – Writing and interpreting algorithms
pg 42
- To understand the term ‘algorithm’
- To learn how to write and interpret algorithms using pseudocode
Chapter 10 – Testing and evaluation
pg 48
- Understand the purpose of testing
- Devise a test plan
- Select test data covering normal (typical), boundary and invalid or erroneous data
- Be able to hand-trace algorithms
Chapter 11 – Abstraction and automation
pg 52
- Describe the skills involved in computational thinking
- Understand the concept of abstraction
- Give examples of different types of abstraction
- Describe the process of abstraction for solving problems
Chapter 12 – Finite state machines
pg 60
- Understand what is meant by a finite state machine
- List some of the uses of a finite state machine
- Draw and interpret simple state transition diagrams for finite state machines with no output
- Draw a state transition table for a finite state machine with no output
Unit 3 – Data representation
pg 67 – 98 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 13 – Number Systems
Chapter 14 – Bits, bytes and binary
Chapter 15 – Binary arithmetic and the representation of fractions
Chapter 16 – Bitmapped graphics
Chapter 17 – Digital representation of sound
Chapter 18 – Data compression and encryption algorithms
Unit 4 – Hardware and software
pg 99 – 124 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 13 – Hardware and software
Chapter 14 – Role of an operating system
Chapter 15 – Programming language classification
Chapter 16 – Programming language translators
Chapter 17 – Logic gates
Chapter 18 – Boolean algebra
Unit 5 – Computer organisation and architecture
pg 125 – 157 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 25 – Internal computer hardware
Chapter 26 – The processor
Chapter 27 – The processor instruction set
Chapter 28 – Assembly language
Chapter 29 – Input-output devices
Chapter 30 – Secondary storage devices
Unit 6 – Communication: technology and consequences
pg 158 – 186 – AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
Chapter 31 – Communication methods
Chapter 32 – Network tolopogy
Chapter 33 – Client-server and peer-to-peer
Chapter 34 – Wireless networking, CSMA and SSID
Chapter 35 – Communication and privacy
Chapter 36 – The challenges of the digital age
Useful online resources
A level: AQA Specification Order (YouTube playlist)
by Craig’n’Dave https://www.youtube.com/@craigndave
You can access all of their videos covering the 7516 (AS-level content) and 7517 (A-level content) here. Click the icon in the top right to see the entire playlist.
Finite State Machine Designer
Finite State Machine Designer – a website designed to help you to easily create FSM diagrams (useful for Unit 2 – Problem solving)
Click the link below to load the website
Assembly language (AQA simulator)
Assembly language (AQA simulator) – This contains a simulator, based on the Little Man Computer and maintained by Peter Higginson, that can be used to allow you to practise your low-level language programming skills for the AQA exam specifications (useful for Unit 5 – Organisation and Architecture)
Click the link below to load the website
Ada Computer Science
Ada Computer Science – The free learning platform for computing teachers and students
This website includes:
- Free computer science resources: Tailored for students aged 14 to 19
- Interactive questions: Over 1000 questions with instant marking and feedback
- AI and machine learning resources: Stay ahead of the AI curve
- Complete curriculums: For GCSE, A Level, National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher
Click the link below to load the website
Isaac Computer Science
Isaac Computer Science – the learning platform for GCSE and A level students and teachers.
This webite includes:
- Tailored content for your exam board to boost learning and revision
- Track progress on questions to pinpoint areas to work on
- Work towards better exam results with quality materials written by experienced teachers
Click the link below to load the website
Draw.io
Draw.io – also known as diagrams.net, is a popular free and open-source online diagramming tool. It’s a web-based application that allows users to create a wide variety of diagrams, flowcharts, and visual representations.
It supports a vast range of diagram types, including:
- Flowcharts
- Network diagrams (including cloud architectures like AWS, Azure, GCP)
- UML diagrams (Unified Modeling Language)
- ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagrams)
- BPMN diagrams (Business Process Model and Notation)
- Organizational charts
- Mind maps
- Wireframes and mockups
- Floor plans
- Infographics
- Circuit diagrams
Click the link below to load the website
Trinket.io
Trinket.io – an online coding environment designed for education. It allows users to write, run, and share code directly in their web browser, on any device, without needing to download plugins or install software.
Run Code Anywhere: This is the core concept. Because it’s web-based, you can access and use Trinket from virtually any device with an internet connection – desktops, laptops, tablets, and even smartphones. This removes barriers like operating system compatibility or needing specific software.
Browser-Based: All the coding and execution happens within your web browser. This means instant access and no setup time.
Multiple Languages Supported: Trinket supports a variety of programming languages, including:
- Python (including Python 3)
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (for web development)
- Java
- Blocks (a visual, drag-and-drop language often used to transition from Scratch to text-based coding)
- GlowScript (for 3D graphics and animations)
Click the link below to load the website
PMT (Physics and maths tutor)
PMT (Physics and maths tutor) – a popular online platform providing free revision resources for a wide range of subjects, including Computer Science, for GCSE and A-Level students in the UK.
Key Features of PMT Computer Science Revision:
- Revision Notes: Comprehensive notes covering various topics for both GCSE and A-Level Computer Science, often broken down by exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). These notes are generally concise and aim to cover all necessary content.
- Past Papers: Access to a collection of past exam papers and mark schemes for different exam boards, crucial for practicing exam technique and understanding common question types.
- Topic Questions: Many subjects on PMT offer topic-specific questions, allowing you to test your knowledge on particular areas before attempting full papers.
- Flashcards: Summarised information in flashcard format, useful for quick recall and memorisation of key terms and concepts.
- Glossary: Definitions of important Computer Science terms.
Click the link below to load the website
Useful textbooks & essential documentation
AS and A-Level Computer Science specification
AS and A-Level Computer Science specification
AS (7516)
A-level (7517)
This is the official AQA specification for the course we study at Bourne Grammar School.
Click the link below to load the document
AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
AQA AS and A Level Computer Science
The book is divided into 12 sections, each containing roughly six chapters. Each chapter covers material that can comfortably be taught in one or two lessons. It will also be a useful reference and revision guide for students throughout the A Level course. Two short appendices contain A Level content that could be taught in the first year of the course as an extension to related AS topics.
Each chapter contains exercises, some new and some from past examination papers, which can be set as homework.
Click the link below to load the website to purchase a copy of the book
AQA AS and A Level Computer Science – by PGOnline
Tackling A Level projects in Computer Science Specifically for AQA 7517
Tackling A Level projects in Computer Science Specifically for AQA 7517
Completing an A Level Computer Science project is a huge undertaking for any student regardless of their competence in programming.
The key to success is to plan and write a strong report, evidencing what has been carried out.
Tackling A Level projects in Computer Science for AQA 7517 is the essential student guide for completing the project and, in particular, the report, with confidence and independence. It contains clear and concise instruction and examples of what needs to be included. From how to generate initial ideas and choose end users, to how to evidence your final product; this book covers it all.
This guide does not specifically teach programming and is therefore suitable for use with any language or project idea being undertaken.
With important tips and advice based on the authors’ intimate experience with Computer Science projects, this will help to keep a project’s progress on track.
Finally, a guide that can help students to submit their final project with confidence before the deadline.
Click the link below to load the website to purchase a copy of the book
Tackling A Level projects in Computer Science Specifically for AQA 7517 – by PGOnline