How to Revise Computer Science A Level?

What is A Level Computer Science?

A Level Computer Science is a Level 3 course that builds upon your knowledge and experience from GCSE and introduces you to more complex theoretical concepts in the fields of algorithms, data structures and computational thinking.

GCSE lays the foundation by introducing the basic principles of programming and giving you a solid understanding of the main hardware and software in a computer system. A Level study takes that to the next Level, exploring advanced programming techniques, databases, networking and has a focus on object-oriented programming.

A Level Computer Science adds more rigour to assessments, moving from understanding and application of basic algorithms to critical analysis and application of scientific methods to solve computational problems.

A Level Computer Science is the perfect course to prepare you for university level Computer Science.

Why study A Level Computer Science?

The real question should be: why not? According to data produced by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and analysed by FFT Education Datalab, A Level Computer Science entries are on the rise. In fact, entries from 2022 to 2023 rose by 16.7%, the largest increase across any A Level subject. Since 2019, A Level Computer Science entries have gone up by over 60%, over 20% more than in any other A Level subject.

So why the big movement? In my last 18 years in education, the majority of them at the chalkface, banging the computer science drum, I’ve witnessed a steady rise in natural curiosity among young people. The generations of young people who have grown up as digital natives and the explosion of social media has made many of them question whether they can get a piece of that. Whether it's the fame and fortune, or the need to be at the front of the runaway train that is “technology”, more and more students were telling me they were taking A Level Computer Science.

In reality, studying A Level Computer Science should not be a choice you make based on your use of technology; there should be a burning desire to understand it. Understanding technology through A Level Computer Science will develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills, your ability to break down complex problems and develop efficient solutions. All of these are skills that can be applied not just in Computer Science.

Taking the A Level in Computer Science will develop your programming skills. And becoming proficient in programming languages means you unlock the ability to not just to use technology, but to control it.

According to data produced by the UK’s leading job site Indeed, the fastest growing industry in the UK is  Information Technology, making up 13% of all job vacancies (a staggering 42% higher than pre-pandemic levels). So choosing to study A Level Computer Science might just open the door to many diverse career paths.

Is Computer Science A Level hard?

Many times during my career, as we approached Christmas and I asked my students to start thinking about A Level choices, the same question always came back to me: “Is Computer Science A Level hard?” 

My response was always the same: is the final level of a computer game harder than the first, I would ask. A Level Computer Science is no harder than any other A Level, but having the correct foundation is all-important. The introduction of the KS3 Computing curriculum in 2014 made Computer Science topics a requirement for all students, moving away from just the traditional ICT skills and bringing an extra emphasis to topics I had studied during my degree in Computer Science between 1998-2004. 

If you were lucky enough to have been taught by an expert Computing teacher then you would have had the perfect grounding to confidently choose GCSE Computer Science in Year 10. GCSE is the perfect playground for curiosity, giving a light touch to an array of areas of Computer Science to give you the opportunity to decide if any, or all of them are right for you.

Is Computer Science A Level hard? I would always tell my students to be prepared for a significant step up in depth and complexity compared to GCSE. However, If you have been successful in GCSE Computer Science, enjoyed KS3 Computing and have a passion for logical thinking, problem solving and working with technology, and if you are willing to put in the time and effort, A Level Computer Science could unlock a path leading to exciting careers.

How to revise Computer Science A Level

Revision starts with a plan. Period.

You don’t wake up with a natural ability to revise for exams. It takes planning, preparation and a lot of patience. 

Many of my students would recall their first experience of revision: hoping that, the night before their exam, looking through their exercise books with one eye on their phone and the other on YouTube, somehow it would stick. I have only ever taught a few students where that method actually works.

The reality is very different. Revision should start with making a plan on when you are going to revise and how you are going to allocate your time among all your subjects. It is important to make sure you don’t waste time revising topics that you are already good at; the temptation is to pick a topic you are already familiar with and use it like a warm comfy blanket. However, revision is about going over the topics you feel less confident about and using the time to improve them.

If there is one area of A Level Computer Science to prioritise for your revision, I have always said “programming”. In fact, I would suggest to all my students that coding is something that should be done as regularly as possible. Every time you write a piece of code you are solidifying your theoretical understanding and applying it to practical situations.

Revision can take many forms. The sheer number of keywords in A Level Computer Science (over 200) has always led me to advise my students that flashcards would make a perfect starting point for any of them who don’t know how to begin.

The skill of writing flashcards is one that needs practising: copying definitions from a textbook or online resource is not always the best way. A flashcard is the perfect way for you to learn the most concise definition of a keyword. The tips I always gave my students when writing flashcards were:

• Use your own words - write them in a way you understand, and don’t just copy out what you read on the internet or have written in your book

• Give examples - always give an example where possible: use a computing analogy to illustrate concepts

• Make it visual - use diagrams or visuals to enhance your understanding and memory

• Focus - only include essential information; don’t make them too busy

• Test - use them to test yourself and ask others to test you

A useful strategy for students who struggle with revision is to make it as competitive as possible. This works very well with disengaged students and those that feel overwhelmed by the process of revision. Websites such as Blooket, Quizlet and Quizziz allow students to create digital flashcards that can be used in game-style scenarios to encourage competition. In my experience, when revision can be turned into a game, more students are prepared to take part and the data captured can provide personalised feedback to demonstrate to students that they are making progress, which increases motivation.

Word of caution. Don’t rely on definitions that have been created by someone else. Create your own and use them to challenge your friends.

Key topics for A Level Computer Science

In my experience, a common question from students is: “What are the key topics in A Level Computer Science?”

There are two ways to answer this question: which topics are always going to be on the exam? Or which topics will make the biggest difference to how successful you are in the exam?

The first answer is easier. Data shows us that the following topics are most likely to be in the exam (click through to our concise Revision Notes on each of the following topics):

• CPU including little man computer (LMC)

• Programming

• Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

• Data structures

• Binary

• Laws and ethics

The second answer is more difficult, but in my experience it’s a student's ability to grasp the fundamentals of programming and confidently express their understanding through a variety of different situations that makes the most impact when it comes to the exam. I always tell them:

• Confident programmers can break down complex problems more easily

• A Level exams target application over your ability just to memorise keywords

• A deep understanding of the fundamentals allows you to be flexible when it comes to the challenges of exam questions

Should I take Computer Science at A Level even if I didn't do it at GCSE?

This is a very difficult question to answer. The nature of the subject and the number of concepts that are expanded upon in A Level from GCSE would make it easy for me to say “no”. BUT… if you can demonstrate:

• Experience of coding - Have you been coding at home? Do you write programs already?

• Passion and motivation - Are you passionate about computing? Do you have the proper motivation for taking it? Are there good reasons you didn’t take GCSE Computer Science?

• Maths competence - Do you have a decent understanding of Maths? It will certainly help!

• Self-discipline - Do you have the self-discipline to catch up on topics that you do not have the foundation in from GCSE when learning new topics on the A Level course?

If the answers to these questions are positive then there is no reason why you can’t take A Level Computer Science having not done the subject at GCSE