GCSE Computer Science

What does this qualification cover?

By studying GCSE Computer Science as part of your programme of study, you will learn to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. You will also analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including designing, writing and debugging programs. 

What’s included?

• Computational thinking and programming skills (Paper 1)

This component will develop your knowledge and understanding of computational thinking. You will be using algorithms to explain and solve problems, and completing practical programming tasks in Python.  

• Computing Concepts (Paper 2)

This component will introduce you to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types, databases (SQL), cybersecurity and legal and ethical issues.  

Key Features

Students completing AQA GCSE Computer Science will be equipped with the logical and computational skills necessary to succeed at A-level, in the workplace or beyond. 

Links to workplace

As you work through the course, we will include practical “hands-on” project sessions led by computing and IT companies which integrate with aspects of the course, including networking, coding and problem-solving.