AQA GCSE Computer Science revision

Topic 3.1: Fundamentals of algorithms

There are 6 parts: we start with computational thinking and algorithms, and finish with sorting algorithms.

1. 3.1.1Computational thinking and algorithmsFree 31 questions
2. 3.1.2Writing algorithms in pseudocode and flowcharts (exam reference languages)Free 20 questions
3. 3.1.3Trace tables, dry-running and finding errors in algorithms26 questions
4. 3.1.4Comparing the efficiency of algorithms23 questions
5. 3.1.5Searching algorithms: linear and binary search62 questions
6. 3.1.6Sorting algorithms: bubble, insertion and merge sort31 questions

Topic 3.2: Programming

There are 6 parts: we start with programming fundamentals, and finish with syntax, logic and runtime errors, and designing test plans (normal, boundary, invalid, erroneous data).

1. 3.2.1Programming fundamentals27 questions
2. 3.2.2Arrays (1D and 2D) and recordsFree 26 questions
3. 3.2.3String manipulation, random numbers and file handling27 questions
4. 3.2.4Subroutines: functions, procedures, parameters and local/global scope26 questions
5. 3.2.5Defensive design: input validation, sanitisation, authentication and maintainable code33 questions
6. 3.2.6Syntax, logic and runtime errors, and designing test plans (normal, boundary, invalid, erroneous data)35 questions

Topic 3.3: Fundamentals of data representation

There are 6 parts: we start with binary, hexadecimal and units, and finish with compression in practice.

1. 3.3.1Binary, hexadecimal and unitsFree 70 questions
2. 3.3.2Binary addition and binary shiftsFree 69 questions
3. 3.3.3Representing negative numbers: sign and magnitude, two's complement61 questions
4. 3.3.4Text, images, sound and compression72 questions
5. 3.3.5Calculating file sizes for text, images and sound, and converting units66 questions
6. 3.3.6Compression in practice: run-length encoding and Huffman coding68 questions

Topic 3.4: Computer systems

There are 9 parts: we start with software, translators and logic, and finish with embedded systems and input/output devices.

1. 3.4.1Software, translators and logic28 questions
2. 3.4.2Boolean logic: AND, OR, NOT, XOR gates, truth tables, logic diagrams and expressions58 questions
3. 3.4.3Operating systems and utility software33 questions
4. 3.4.4Hardware, the CPU and memoryFree 44 questions
5. 3.4.5Von Neumann architecture and the fetch-decode-execute cycle with registersFree 29 questions
6. 3.4.6Factors affecting CPU performance: clock speed, cores and cache31 questions
7. 3.4.7Primary memory: RAM, ROM and virtual memory41 questions
8. 3.4.8Secondary storage: magnetic, optical and solid state, and choosing storage74 questions
9. 3.4.9Embedded systems and input/output devicesFree 27 questions

Topic 3.5: Fundamentals of computer networks

There are 6 parts: we start with networks and protocols, and finish with client-server, peer-to-peer, the cloud and virtual networks.

1. 3.5.1Networks and protocolsFree 65 questions
2. 3.5.2Network types (LAN, WAN, PAN) and topologies (star, bus, mesh)Free 65 questions
3. 3.5.3Network hardware and transmission media: wired, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth69 questions
4. 3.5.4Protocols and the TCP/IP layers: HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SMTP, IMAP, POP34 questions
5. 3.5.5IP and MAC addresses, DNS and packet switching37 questions
6. 3.5.6Client-server, peer-to-peer, the cloud and virtual networks82 questions

Topic 3.6: Cyber security

There are 5 parts: we start with cyber security, and finish with firewalls, anti-malware, access levels and penetration testing.

1. 3.6.1Cyber security26 questions
2. 3.6.2Social engineering: phishing, pharming, blagging and shoulderingFree 37 questions
3. 3.6.3Malware and network attacks: brute force, denial of service, SQL injection, data interception79 questions
4. 3.6.4Protecting systems: strong passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication and encryption29 questions
5. 3.6.5Firewalls, anti-malware, access levels and penetration testing39 questions

Topic 3.7: Relational databases and SQL

There are 4 parts: we start with relational databases and SQL, and finish with SQL data changes and joins.

1. 3.7.1Relational databases and SQLFree 13 questions
2. 3.7.2Tables, fields, records, primary and foreign keys, and entity relationshipsFree 28 questions
3. 3.7.3SQL queries: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY and wildcards21 questions
4. 3.7.4SQL data changes and joins: INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE and linking tables19 questions

Topic 3.8: Ethical, legal and environmental impacts

There are 5 parts: we start with ethical, legal and environmental impacts, and finish with case studies.

1. 3.8.1Ethical, legal and environmental impacts16 questions
2. 3.8.2UK legislation: Data Protection Act 2018, Computer Misuse Act 1990, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 198830 questions
3. 3.8.3Software licensing: open source and proprietary33 questions
4. 3.8.4Environmental impacts: energy use, e-waste and sustainable technology32 questions
5. 3.8.5Case studies: privacy and surveillance, AI and bias, autonomous vehicles, the digital divide39 questions

Topic P: Practical programming and exam skills

Practical programming and exam skills is about writing, testing and improving real programs, and answering exam questions well.

We will turn a specification into working code, and debug and trace unfamiliar programs.

Then we implement searching and sorting algorithms, and practise evaluating solutions and writing extended answers.

1. P.1Translating a specification into a working programFree 31 questions
2. P.2Debugging and tracing unfamiliar programs30 questions
3. P.3Implementing searching and sorting algorithms in code25 questions
4. P.4Evaluating solutions and exam technique for code and extended-response questions17 questions

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