AQA GCSE Computer Science Information Guide
Welcome to your AQA GCSE Computer Science course guide! This page provides key information on your exam dates, paper structure, and essential topics to focus on for revision.
Exam Overview
The AQA GCSE Computer Science course is assessed through two written exams. Each exam covers different areas of the curriculum, and it’s essential to know the structure and content of each paper to prepare effectively.
| Exam | Date | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Computational Thinking & Problem-Solving | Wednesday 15th May | 2 hours | 90 | 50% |
| Paper 2: Written Assessment (Theory) | Tuesday 21st May | 1 hour 45 minutes | 90 | 50% |
Paper Breakdown
Paper 1: Computational Thinking & Problem-Solving
Focus: This paper tests your ability to solve computational problems and understand programming principles.
Key Areas:
- Algorithms: Understanding how to design and interpret algorithms, including flowcharts and pseudocode.
- Programming Concepts: Knowledge of data types, operators, sequence, selection, iteration, and subroutines (functions and procedures).
- Data Representation: Binary, hexadecimal, character sets, images, and sound.
- Problem Solving: Applying your skills to new scenarios, understanding and debugging code.
Tips for Revision:
- Practice writing and understanding pseudocode and flowcharts.
- Complete practice questions focusing on common algorithmic tasks (e.g., sorting, searching).
- Memorize key programming terms and their definitions.
- Go over sample coding questions to strengthen logic and debugging skills.
Paper 2: Theory of Computer Science
Focus: This paper assesses your knowledge of theoretical aspects of computer science.
Key Areas:
- Data Representation: Binary, hexadecimal, character encoding (ASCII, Unicode).
- Computer Systems: Understand hardware and software components, the role of the CPU, memory, and storage.
- Networks: Basics of networking, including types of networks (LAN, WAN), protocols, and security issues.
- Cyber Security: Understanding of threats such as malware, phishing, social engineering, and how to protect against them.
- Ethical, Legal, and Environmental Impacts of Technology: Social, legal, and environmental issues associated with computing.
- Databases: Basic understanding of databases, including SQL queries and database management.
Tips for Revision:
- Use flashcards to memorize key terms, particularly in networking and data representation.
- Study common ethical and legal issues in computing and consider real-world examples.
- Practice SQL queries and basic database management questions.
- Review past paper questions on hardware, software, and systems architecture.
Key Revision Strategies
Past Papers: Familiarize yourself with past exam papers to understand the question format and types of questions that frequently appear.
Practice Programming: Use coding exercises to reinforce programming concepts, especially for Paper 1.
Flashcards: Create flashcards for vocabulary, especially for network terms, cyber security concepts, and ethical/legal issues.
Algorithm Practice: Break down common algorithms and write pseudocode to reinforce problem-solving skills.
Group Study: Reviewing in groups can help clarify tricky concepts, especially with theoretical topics.
Final Revision Tips
- Plan Your Time: Set a revision schedule to ensure you cover all topics well before the exams.
- Stay Organized: Keep notes and revision materials organized by topic.
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher or peers for help if you’re struggling with any concepts.
Good luck with your studies! With regular practice and thorough revision, you’ll be well-prepared for your AQA GCSE Computer Science exams.