This page contains details about the AQA GCSE and A Level Computer Science examinations.
The GCSE part of this revision guide follows the AQA specification's chapters exactly. Section 1 in this revision guide is AQA's Section 3.1, Section 2 is Section 3.2, etc.
This paper is a 90 marks, 120 minutes written paper. Calculators are prohibited.
In Paper 1 you will be assessed on long-form programming questions in your chosen language (Python, C# or VB), short-form programming questions in pseudocode, and questions on the theory of programming (Sections 1 and 2 in the revision guide), such as structured programming.
This paper is a 90 marks, 105 minutes written paper. Calculators are prohibited.
In Paper 2 you will be assessed on Sections 3 to 8, which may include SQL programming questions, but not
pseudocode or Python/C#/VB. You will most likely have to write a 9-mark answer on Section 8 (Impacts of
Computing).
The A Level part of this revision guide does not exactly follow the AQA specification's chapters. See the below image to see how our sections (along the left) map to AQA's chapters (across the top):
This paper is a 100 marks, 150 minutes on-screen exam. Calculators are prohibited.
A Level Paper 1 is basically the same as GCSE Paper 1, except that it is slightly harder (with some additional theory of programming content from Sections 9-10 and 15-17) and is done on a computer.
This paper is a 100 marks, 150 minutes written exam. Calculators are allowed.
A Level Paper 2 is basically the same as GCSE Paper 2, but there is some additional content in Sections 11-14 and 18-20. No programming is required in this paper, except SQL in Section 19.
This is a 75 marks practical component.
You will be expected to create your own project for the A Level exam. The NEA is not covered in this revision guide. For more information, see the AQA website, linked above.