How many papers are in AQA GCSE Computer Science?

Two papers. Paper 1 (Computational thinking and programming skills, 2h, 90 marks) is 50%. Paper 2 (Computing concepts, 1h 45m, 90 marks) is 50%. Both sat at the end of the course. No coursework.

Which programming language does the exam use?

In Paper 1 you write code in one of three languages: C#, Python 3 or VB.NET. Your school picks which one to teach. AQA pseudo-code appears in the question paper to describe algorithms, but you don't write answers in pseudo-code.

Is there a programming project?

No formally-assessed non-exam assessment. AQA recommends practical programming throughout the course to build skills, but nothing is marked or submitted. All marks come from the two written papers.

What content does the spec cover?

Paper 1: algorithms, programming, subroutines, arrays, structured programming. Paper 2: data representation (binary, hex, characters, images, sound), computer systems (CPU, memory, storage), networks (LANs/WANs, TCP/IP), cyber security, relational databases and SQL, ethical/legal/environmental impacts.

How does AQA differ from OCR GCSE CS?

Both are two papers with no formal coursework. AQA (8525) uses AQA pseudo-code in questions; OCR (J277) uses OCR-flavoured pseudo-code. Content is broadly comparable. Your school picks based on preference.

Does Cognito cover AQA GCSE Computer Science?

Cognito has past papers and mark schemes for AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525). Use them for timed practice and check your answers against the official mark schemes as you go.

AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) Specification

AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) is a single-tier linear qualification with two written papers: Paper 1 (Computational thinking and programming skills, 2h) and Paper 2 (Computing concepts, 1h 45m). Students program in one of three languages (C#, Python 3 or VB.NET); AQA pseudo-code is used to describe algorithms in the question papers. Each paper is 90 marks, worth 50%.

Download the official spec (PDF)

specification overview

1. Fundamentals of algorithms
Paper 1
- Representing algorithms (pseudo-code, flowcharts)
- Sorting and searching algorithms (bubble, merge, linear, binary)
- Efficiency of algorithms (comparing time efficiency of algorithms; formal comparisons of efficiency are not required)
2. Programming
Paper 1
- Data types, structures, operators, sequence/selection/iteration
- Subroutines, arrays, records, string handling, input/output
- Arrays and 2D arrays, structured programming and subroutines, robust and secure programming
3. Fundamentals of data representation
Paper 2
- Binary and hexadecimal number systems, binary arithmetic
- Character encoding (ASCII, Unicode), images, sound, compression
4. Computer systems
Paper 2
- Hardware and software, Boolean logic, systems architecture (CPU)
- Memory, secondary storage, embedded systems
5. Fundamentals of computer networks
Paper 2
- LANs and WANs, network topologies, protocols (TCP/IP stack)
- Network hardware, the Internet, DNS and hosting
6. Cyber security
Paper 2
- Threats (malware, social engineering, brute force)
- Preventing threats: firewalls, encryption, penetration testing
7. Relational databases and SQL
Paper 2
- Relational database concepts (tables, primary keys, foreign keys)
- SQL SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE with WHERE, JOIN, ORDER BY
8. Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology
Paper 2
- Impact of computing on society, environment and law
- Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright and Patents Act

subject content

Paper	What's assessed	Length	Marks	Weight	Question types
Paper 1 (Computational thinking and programming skills)	Computational thinking, code tracing, problem solving. Students write code in C#, Python 3 or VB.NET; AQA pseudo-code is used in the question paper to describe algorithms	2h	90	50%	Short-answer, structured questions, code writing/tracing
Paper 2 (Computing concepts)	Data representation, computer systems, networks, cyber security, databases/SQL, ethics	1h 45m	90	50%	Short-answer, structured questions, extended-response essays

PaperPaper 1 (Computational thinking and programming skills)

What's assessedComputational thinking, code tracing, problem solving. Students write code in C#, Python 3 or VB.NET; AQA pseudo-code is used in the question paper to describe algorithms

Length2h

Marks90

Weight50%

Question typesShort-answer, structured questions, code writing/tracing

PaperPaper 2 (Computing concepts)

What's assessedData representation, computer systems, networks, cyber security, databases/SQL, ethics

Length1h 45m

Marks90

Weight50%

Question typesShort-answer, structured questions, extended-response essays

In Paper 1 students write program code in one of three languages: C#, Python 3 or VB.NET. AQA pseudo-code is used in the question paper to present algorithms; students do not write answers in pseudo-code. There is no coursework or non-exam assessment; practical programming skills are developed through classroom practice only.

assessment structure

AO	What it means	Overall
AO1	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science.	30%
AO2	Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.	40%
AO3	Analyse problems in computational terms: to make reasoned judgements, to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.	30%

AOAO1

What it meansDemonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science.

Overall30%

AOAO2

What it meansApply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.

Overall40%

AOAO3

What it meansAnalyse problems in computational terms: to make reasoned judgements, to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.

Overall30%

assessment objectives

Learn to read AQA pseudo-code
AQA pseudo-code appears in Paper 1 questions to describe algorithms. Learn the syntax (FOR loops, WHILE, IF-THEN-ELSE, subroutines) from the specification appendix so you can read it fluently. You write your own code in C#, Python 3 or VB.NET.
Practise trace tables
Trace tables come up every year. Practise stepping through code line by line, tracking variable values in a table.
Master binary and hex conversion
Data representation is a big chunk of Paper 2. Practise binary/hex/denary conversion and binary arithmetic until fast and accurate.
Learn SQL basic queries
SQL SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE with WHERE and JOIN clauses. Practise writing queries and reading table outputs.
Draw network diagrams
Star and bus topologies plus TCP/IP protocol stack diagrams. Learn to sketch and label these under pressure.
Structure ethical essays
Extended-response questions on ethical impacts reward balanced arguments with named laws (Data Protection Act 2018, Computer Misuse Act 1990).

key tips for success

Start your learning journey today...

Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.

GCSE Computer Science (AQA)

Free past papers

GCSE Computer Science (AQA) grade boundaries

Where to next

GCSE Computer Science (8525) Specification

Frequently asked questions

Past papers for this spec, free