Preparing for

A’ Level Computer Science

at Prince Henry’s High School
What should I know before I start the course?
A’ Level Computer Science is NOT a programming course, although there is plenty of programming
to be done. The aim of the A’ Level Computer Science course is to develop a deeper understanding
of how computers work and how they can be used for problem solving. Here is a summary of the
main topics taught in the course.

Programming
This takes up a significant amount of time in Year 12 and you will be taught to use the Python
programming language. Many of you will already have used this for your GCSE but if you have not
then this is certainly something you should aim to do over the summer break. There are loads of on-
line resources that you could use to keep your skills up-to-date or to introduce you to the basics of
programming in Python.

These sites are particularly good, but don’t limit your self to these or what they teach. Feel free to
explore further.

https://www.learnpython.org/

https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGJJIrtnfpk

If you can expose yourself to some ideas around files and databases that would be useful too.

Any use you can make of other programming languages will also be very beneficial, but only do this
once you are confident in a language such as Python first. Languages to look at include HTML,
JavaScript or C (or one of its variants. But, any language is good. You might also want to investigate
using languages in game engines like Unity, Unreal or Godot to extend the use of languages that you
are familiar with.

Data Representation
Computers store everything as 1s and 0s (Actually, they don’t! They store everything as electrical
signals – ON or OFF – but we use 1 and 0 because it’s easier to work with). But how do you represent
a number using 1s and 0s? How do you store the text of this document? What about a picture, a
movie or a sound? If you don’t know the answers to these questions you need to do a little research
to find out. Once you know these basics the A’ Level course will take you deeper.

Logic
The basic building blocks (hardware and software) or all computers is logic. Specifically, binary logic.
You should know something about AND, OR and NOT gates. We’ll take these ideas much further at
A’ Level and you’ll also be expected to be able to program using these ideas too.
Computer Hardware
We look in a fair amount of detail at how your computer processor works and how it interacts with
other components inside your computer – the memory, keyboard, video card etc… We’ll also look at
different peripherals and how they work. Then we’ll discuss how you put it all together to build a
working computer to meet someone’s needs. NOTE: A’ Level Computer Science is not a computer
maintenance course. You learn about the theory and, although you may see some components, we
don’t build computers.

Moral and Ethical Issues

How do we decide what computers should and shouldn’t be allowed to do? What happens when a
computer system means people lose their jobs? What is the environmental impact of mobile
phones? Is it OK to hack or write viruses? These and more questions will be explored.

Networks
We take these for granted. The internet has always been there, right? But how does it work? How
does that website get loaded onto your computer from halfway around the world? How does the
person in Australia manage to play a game with you in the UK? What kind of magic is email?
Investigate some of the basics before you start the course and you’ll be one step ahead. Find
answers to these questions: what is a LAN / WAN? What is the difference between ethernet and
WiFi? How do other computers find my computer?

Big Data
What is big data and why is it such a big deal? What programming tools can I use to manipulate big
data stores? Do some research into what Big Data is and what it is being used for.

The Project
In Year 13 you’ll be asked to produce a personal project that is quite an undertaking. So there’s no
harm in starting to think about it now. You can produce a product for a customer, or you could
undertake an investigation into some area of Computer Science that has interested you. There has
to be a significant coding element to it and you need to tackle something ‘significant’ Here’s some
ideas of things that students have done in recent years:

a. Machine learning algorithm to learn how to play noughts and crosses.

b. Simulation of chemical reactions under different conditions.
c. A system for automatically recording race times on mountain bike trails and presenting the
results on a web site.
d. Stock control and ordering system for commercial kitchen.
e. Product tracing system for a local dairy.
f. A tennis training system.
g. Simulation of springs under different loads – a teaching aid for A’ Level Physics.
h. Investigation into how cameras determine the white balance and focus settings.
i. Building a coffee making machine controlled by a phone app.
Some Reading
There are loads of excellent books out there that you need to be reading to expand your knowledge
of Computer Science and how computers have changed the world. Here are a few to make a
select6ion from – pick at least one to read over the summer break and be ready to talk about it
when school starts.

1. The Code Book – Simon Singh – ISBN: 1-85702-889-9

A popular science book about codes and ciphers through the ages. A really good,
interesting read that’s worth reading even if you’re not into computers.

2. Ready Player One – Ernest Cline – ISBN: 978-0307887436

A story set in a dystopian future. It’s all based around VR gaming. It’s fiction, but about
computers. An interesting take on the future and might stimulate some discussion. Read
the book BEFORE watching the film!

3. Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software – Charles Patzold – ISBN:
9780735611313

Find out how codes work and then start building a computer from basic components.
Learn how to build a whole computer (albeit in your head) and then discover how these
basic ideas are the bedrock of all modern computers. An easy read and very

4. Hello World: How to be Human in the Age of the Machine – Hanna Fry – ISBN:
9781784163068

A great book to help you cut through the hype about what AI and machine learning can
(and more importantly can’t) do. This book will help you see the benefits, and the
potential dangers, of our growing dependence on computers. Beautifully easy to read.

5. AIQ – Nick Olson and James Scott – ISBN: 9781784163372

A deceptively detailed look at the world of Artificial Intelligence. What is it? How does it
work? What can it do? This book not only explains it all but shows you where it came
from.
The Structure of A’ Level Computer Science
The A’ Level Computer Science course is delivered in three main parts.

Paper 1.
Online exam of 2 ¾ hours at the end of Year 13. 40% of the overall A’ Level.

The paper 1 exam covers all the programming and programming theory. The exam is done at a
computer and pupils are expected to write code from scratch as well as modify previously seen code
and answer programming theory questions.

Paper 2.
Traditional pen and paper exam. 2 ½ hours at the end of Year 13. 40% of the overall A’ Level

The paper 2 exam covers most of the theoretical parts of the course: data representation,
databases, hardware, networks, legal and ethical. Questions range from one word answers to
extended questions where candidates will be expected to write up-to 2 pages.

Extended Project.
Produce a written report about your project. Runs from the end of Year 12 until around Easter in
Year 13. 20% of the overall A’ Level

This is a piece of independent study to be carried out with guidance from your teachers.

Trips and Extensions

We usually try and run at least one trip per year which can include a visit and tour of the National
Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park and a lecture day at a local university.

Pupils who study A’ Level Computer Science are encouraged to get involved in things like the VEX
Robotics club, Year 9 Programming Club and the Year 9 STEM Super Curriculum. These are all
excellent opportunities to develop your understanding and are great things to put on your CV or
university application.
Style of Lessons
Although we will give you plenty of help, support and guidance to ensure you get the most out of
you’re A’ Level we expect that you will also:

Be Independent
Take the time to investigate things further without having to be told to do so. Read the course
textbook to fill in the gaps. Try sample questions. Read other sources for ideas and to extend your
learning.

Be Engaged
Ask questions and try to join the thinking from different topics. Don’t be afraid to get things wrong –
in Computer Science, especially programming, getting it wrong is a good thing. Do the work you’ve
been set and meet your deadlines. Get involved in the extra-curricular offerings.

Be Resilient
You will find this hard but keep trying and keep asking for help and keep asking questions and you
will get better.

Be Prepared
Have your laptop ready to do coding. Turn up to lessons with the right equipment. Have your
homework ready to hand in. Revise for unit tests and exams.

Be Organised
Keep your (well written) notes neat and tidy. Regularly check that everything is as it should be.

Questions you should be asking NOW.

While you move through the world, look out for examples of computers in action. They are
everywhere! Then ask yourself some basic questions:

1. How does it work?

2. What information is it processing?
3. Where does it get the information from?
4. What does it do with the results?
5. Could I produce a system like that? (Or, where would I start?)
6. Could I improve on it? (Justify why your idea would be better.)