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About AQA A Level Computer Science
AQA A Level Computer Science is code 7517 with a language option letter, with a DfE discount code of 2610 and an accreditation number of 601/4569/9. It is linear. Paper 1 is an on-screen exam and Paper 2 is a written exam, both lasting 2 hours 30 minutes and both worth 40% of the A-level, and the remaining 20% is a non-exam assessment carrying 75 marks. The A Level is graded on a six point scale of A star, A, B, C, D and E.
The content splits without overlap. Paper 1 tests programming ability and theoretical knowledge from subject content 10 to 13, plus the skills required from section 22, which is the systematic approach to problem solving. Paper 2 tests subject content 14 to 21 through compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions. AQA does not print a raw mark total for either paper, so this page does not state one.
Paper 1 is sat on a computer. Students answer short questions and write, adapt or extend programs in an Electronic Answer Document, and AQA issues Preliminary Material, a Skeleton Program available in each programming language, and where appropriate test data for use in the exam. The languages supported are C sharp, Java, Python and VB.Net, and the entry code records which one was chosen.
The coursework assesses something specific. AQA describes it as the ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem, following a systematic approach to problem solving as shown in section 22. The weighting table shows AO1 at zero in the non-exam assessment and AO3 at 18 of its 20 shares, so the project is marked almost entirely on analysing, designing, writing and testing programs. If you want to see how A Level Computer Science compares across boards, that page sets them side by side.
Who AQA A Level Computer Science Is For
This course suits Year 13 students sitting AQA A Level Computer Science 7517 who need programming and theory prepared as different exams, with the 75 mark project planned as a build rather than an essay.
- Year 13 students sitting AQA A Level Computer Science 7517
- Students who can code confidently but lose marks on the written theory paper
- Students who leave the skeleton program and preliminary material until the last week
- Students who plan the coursework as a written report rather than a working solution
- Private candidates, who can enter this specification but need a centre able to host an on-screen exam and assess the project
AQA A Level Computer Science: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 7517 specification.
AQA
AQA's A Level Computer Science is code 7517, entered with a language option. Paper 1 is a 2 hour 30 minute on-screen programming exam with a skeleton program issued in advance. Paper 2 is written theory, and a 75 mark project is worth 20%.
How Centaurus Helps AQA A Level Computer Science Students Excel
Programming and Theory Split
Paper 1 covers content 10 to 13 and the skills from section 22, while Paper 2 covers 14 to 21, so each paper is prepared against its own content list.
The Skeleton Program Used Early
AQA issues Preliminary Material and a Skeleton Program before the exam, so that material is worked through from release rather than opened in the final week.
The Project Built, Not Written Up
AO1 is zero in the coursework and AO3 carries 18 of its 20 shares, so the project is treated as a working solution rather than an essay about one.
On-Screen Practice to Time
Students write, adapt and extend programs in an Electronic Answer Document, so practice happens on screen and to time rather than on paper.
Objective Split Tracked
AO3 is 40% overall but only 2 on Paper 2, so a student who is strong in theory and weak in programming is identified early rather than at results.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA A Level Computer Science support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
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What Parents Say About Us
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AQA A Level Computer Science: Frequently Asked Questions
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