Overview
This 12-week course provides an in-depth exploration of computer systems, architecture, networks, and data management. Students will gain a strong theoretical foundation, supported by practical examples and exam-focused strategies. By the end of the course, learners will confidently analyse and explain complex computing concepts, ensuring readiness for A Level Paper 1.
12-Week Course
This 12-week A Level course deepens understanding of algorithms, programming and exam technique, with discussion and problem-solving in a small group.
Effective rate: £55 per lesson over 24 structured lessons.
- Max group of 5 students
- Full A Level specification coverage
- Focus on problem-solving and exam skills
- Topic papers, revision resources and reviews
- Ongoing feedback and progress tracking
Detailed Week-by-Week Outline
Learning Objective: Explore CPU design, components, registers, and the fetch–decode–execute cycle.
Activities: Analyse CPU diagrams, identify registers, and simulate instruction cycles using visual tools.
Learning Objective: Understand RAM, ROM, cache, virtual memory, and storage technologies.
Activities: Compare memory types, discuss performance impact, and calculate storage requirements.
Learning Objective: Convert between binary, hexadecimal, and denary; represent text and images.
Activities: Practise conversions, encode text using ASCII/Unicode, and calculate image file sizes.
Learning Objective: Floating-point numbers, sound representation, and compression.
Activities: Represent sound using sample rate and bit depth, explore lossy vs lossless compression.
Learning Objective: Learn about topologies, hardware, and communication protocols.
Activities: Draw network diagrams, compare LAN/WAN setups, and discuss wired vs wireless transmission.
Learning Objective: Network security, encryption, firewalls, and authentication.
Activities: Simulate encryption techniques, analyse security threats, and review authentication methods.
Learning Objective: Understand scheduling, memory management, and device handling.
Activities: Explore OS functions, discuss multitasking, and compare CLI vs GUI interfaces.
Learning Objective: Explore relational databases, SQL queries, and data normalisation.
Activities: Write SQL queries, practise filtering and sorting, and explain normalisation principles.
Learning Objective: Construct truth tables, apply De Morgan’s laws, and design logic circuits.
Activities: Build truth tables, simplify logic expressions, and design simple circuits.
Learning Objective: Examine data protection, IP law, and computing ethics.
Activities: Debate ethical scenarios, review GDPR principles, and analyse case studies on IP infringement.
Learning Objective: Analyse past-paper questions and improve structured written answers.
Activities: Practise structuring long-answer responses, use mark schemes, and apply PEEL technique.
Learning Objective: Complete a full Paper 1 mock and receive detailed feedback.
Activities: Attempt a full mock exam under timed conditions, followed by detailed feedback and improvement planning.
Outcome
Students gain a deep understanding of computer systems, architecture, networks, and data representation. By the end of the course, learners will confidently tackle theoretical questions and apply knowledge to real-world computing scenarios.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive coverage of A Level Paper 1 topics
- Interactive learning with practical examples
- Exam-focused approach with past-paper practice
- Confidence in answering extended theoretical questions
Ready to master A Level Computer Systems & Theory? Enrol now for guaranteed progress!
