AQA GCSE Computer Science – Full Topic Checklist

AQA GCSE Computer Science – Full Topic Checklist

Covers both Paper 1 (Computational Thinking & Programming Skills) and Paper 2 (Computing Concepts). Progress is saved in your browser.

Paper 1 – Computational Thinking & Programming Skills

1) Fundamentals of Algorithms 8 items

What an algorithm is; problem-solving steps
Decomposition & abstraction
Representing algorithms: flowcharts, pseudocode, trace tables
Searching algorithms: linear search, binary search
Sorting algorithms: bubble, merge, insertion
Comparing algorithm efficiency
Tracing, dry runs, and identifying state changes
Reasoning about correctness and edge cases

2) Programming 12 items

Basics: variables, constants, operators, expressions
Data types: integer, real/float, Boolean, character, string
Input, output, assignment
Control: sequence, selection, iteration
String operations
Data structures: 1D/2D arrays, records
Subroutines: functions, procedures, parameters, returns
Random number generation
File handling: open, read, write, close
Structured programming: modularity & reusability
Tracing and debugging programs
Coding standards & readability

3) Producing Robust Programs 7 items

Defensive design: input validation & authentication
Maintainability: naming, comments, modularity
Testing: iterative/final; normal, boundary & erroneous data
Errors: syntax, logic, runtime
Identifying & correcting errors
Trace tables & test tables
Secure coding principles (input sanitisation)

4) Boolean Logic 4 items

Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT
Truth tables
Combining gates into circuits
Applying logic to problem solving

Paper 2 – Computing Concepts

5) Data Representation 9 items

Number bases: denary, binary, hexadecimal
Binary arithmetic: addition, shifts, overflow
Units of data: bit → terabyte and beyond
Characters: ASCII & Unicode
Images: pixels, resolution, colour depth, file size
Sound: sample rate, bit depth, file size
Compression: lossy vs lossless
Error detection basics (parity/check digits)
Conversions between bases

6) Computer Systems 7 items

CPU purpose & main components
Fetch–Decode–Execute cycle & registers
Von Neumann architecture
Performance: clock speed, cache, number of cores
Primary & secondary storage overview
Embedded systems
System software basics (OS, utility software)

7) Networks 10 items

LAN vs WAN
Factors affecting network performance
Client–server vs peer-to-peer
NICs, switches, routers, WAPs, transmission media
The Internet & the cloud
Topologies: star & mesh
Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP(S), FTP, POP, IMAP, SMTP
Security measures: encryption, authentication, firewalls, MAC filtering
Layers: application, transport, network, data link
IP addressing & DNS basics

8) Cyber Security 9 items

Threats: malware, phishing, brute force, DoS, data interception, SQL injection
People as the weak point (social engineering)
Social engineering techniques
Prevention: pen testing, forensics, anti-malware, firewalls
User access levels & passwords
Encryption basics
Security policies & procedures
Physical security measures
Responsible behaviour & reporting

9) Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Impacts 8 items

Ethical issues: privacy, data collection, digital divide
Legal: Computer Misuse Act, Copyright, Data Protection, GDPR
Cultural impacts of technology on society
Environmental issues: e‑waste & energy
Stakeholders & conflicting interests
Open source vs proprietary
Health, wellbeing & ergonomics
Global considerations & sustainability

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This checklist is based on the AQA GCSE (9–1) Computer Science specification. Always confirm with your teacher which topics your centre emphasises.