Programming
Structured programming, debugging, file handling and solving larger problems.
Topic guide coming soonA-Level learning pathway
A-Level Computer Science topics
This A-Level Computer Science pathway is designed to help students organise revision, strengthen programming confidence, understand advanced theory and approach the NEA/project more clearly.
A-Level topic guide placeholders
These topic cards will grow into practical notes, worked examples, exam-board links and revision resources.
Algorithms
Tracing, searching, sorting, recursion, complexity and algorithm design.
Topic guide coming soonData structures
Stacks, queues, trees, graphs, linked lists and choosing suitable structures.
Topic guide coming soonDatabases and SQL
Relational design, normalisation, queries and data modelling.
Topic guide coming soonObject-oriented programming
Classes, objects, inheritance, composition and modelling real problems.
Topic guide coming soonBoolean algebra and logic
Logic gates, truth tables, simplification and careful notation.
Topic guide coming soonNetworks and web technologies
Protocols, layers, client-server systems, security and web concepts.
Topic guide coming soonSystems architecture
Processors, memory, operating systems, translators and low-level ideas.
Topic guide coming soonComputational thinking
Abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and problem formulation.
Topic guide coming soonExam technique
Longer answers, command words, mark schemes and past paper routines.
Topic guide coming soonNEA guidance
Planning, project scope, academic honesty and how to stay organised.
Read the A-Level Computer Science NEA guideChoose your A-Level exam board
Use these checked summaries as a starting point for assessment structure, topic focus, NEA/project notes and official specification links. Always check your school’s exact exam board and current teacher guidance.
OCR A-Level Computer Science
OCR H446 is assessed through two written papers and one non-exam programming project. Computer Systems covers processors, software, data, networks and wider issues. Algorithms and Programming focuses on computational thinking, problem-solving, programming and algorithms.
- Computer systems (01): written paper, 2 hours 30 minutes, 140 marks, 40%
- Algorithms and programming (02): written paper, 2 hours 30 minutes, 140 marks, 40%
- Programming project (03): non-exam assessment, 70 marks, 20%
- Common support areas: algorithms, computational thinking, data structures, trace tables, programming and project planning boundaries
AQA A-Level Computer Science
AQA 7517 is assessed through an on-screen programming paper, a written theory paper and a non-exam assessment project. Paper 1 focuses on programming and core theory. Paper 2 focuses on data structures, algorithms, theory of computation, data representation, systems, networks, databases and wider consequences.
- Paper 1: on-screen exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40%
- Paper 2: written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 40%
- Non-exam assessment: practical project, 75 marks, 20%
- Common support areas: programming, algorithms, theory of computation, databases, longer answers and NEA planning boundaries
Eduqas/WJEC A-Level Computer Science
Eduqas A500QS is assessed through two written components and a non-exam programmed solution project. Component 1 focuses on programming and system development. Component 2 focuses on architecture, data, communication and applications.
- Component 1: Programming and System Development, written exam, 2 hours 45 minutes, 120 marks, 40%
- Component 2: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications, written exam, 2 hours 45 minutes, 120 marks, 40%
- Component 3: Programmed Solution to a Problem, non-exam assessment, 75 marks, 20%
- Common support areas: data structures, algorithms, hardware, databases, programming and project development boundaries
Not sure which A-Level Computer Science exam board you use?
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Need help with A-Level Computer Science?
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