GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (8525) - Specification - Version 1.3 - For teaching from September 2025 onwards

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by kopisore

GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE (8525) specification sets out the requirements for teaching and assessment for GCSE Computer Science, with version 1.3 dated 16 June 2025. It outlines the course rationale, including why to choose AQA, available support and teaching resources, and how the specification builds on existing content while adding new programming-focused elements. It details subject content areas such as algorithms, programming, data representation, computer systems, networks, cyber security, relational databases and SQL, and broader ethical, legal and environmental impacts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages42

Reading Time1 h 46 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science

Support and resources to help you teach

Specification at a glance

Subject content

Assessments

Subject content

Fundamentals of algorithms

Programming

Fundamentals of data representation

Computer systems

Fundamentals of computer networks

Cyber security

Relational databases and structured query language (SQL)

Ethical, legal and environmental impacts

Scheme of assessment

Aims and learning outcomes

Assessment objectives

Assessment weightings

Programming skills

Programming skills authentication

Avoiding malpractice

General administration

Entries and codes

Overlaps with other qualifications

Awarding grades and reporting results

Resits and shelf life

Previous learning and prerequisites

Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion

Working with AQA for the first time

Private candidates

| GCSE
COMPUTER SCIENCE
(8525) | | --- | | Specification
For teaching from September 2025 onwards For GCSE exams in 2027 onwards | Version 1.3 16 June 2025 Contents 1 Introduction 5 1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science 5 1.2 Support and resources to help you teach 5 2 Specification at a glance 7 2.1 Subject content 7 2.2 Assessments 7 3 Subject content 9 3.1 Fundamentals of algorithms 10 3.2 Programming 11 3.3 Fundamentals of data representation 18 3.4 Computer systems 22 3.5 Fundamentals of computer networks 27 3.6 Cyber security 29 3.7 Relational databases and structured query language (SQL) 31 3.8 Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy 33 4 Scheme of assessment 35 4.1 Aims and learning outcomes 35 4.2 Assessment objectives 35 4.3 Assessment weightings 36 5 Programming skills 37 5.1 Programming skills authentication 37 5.2 Avoiding malpractice 37 6 General administration 39 6.1 Entries and codes 39 6.2 Overlaps with other qualifications 39 6.3 Awarding grades and reporting results 39 6.4 Resits and shelf life 40 6.5 Previous learning and prerequisites 40 6.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion 40 6.7 Working with AQA for the first time 41 6.8 Private candidates 41 [Visit](Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[ ](Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[aqa.org.uk/8525](Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[ for the most up-to-date specification](Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification), resources, support and administration 3 Are you using the latest version of this specification? • You will always find the most up-to-date version of this specification on our website at [aqa.org.uk/8525](aqa.org.uk/8525) • We will write to you if there are significant changes to the specification. [4](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[ Visit](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[ ](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[aqa.org.uk/8525](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification)[ for the most up-to-date specification](4 Visit aqa.org.uk/8525 for the most up-to-date specification), resources, support and administration 1 Introduction 1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Computer Science We’ve worked closely with teachers to develop a GCSE Computer Science specification that’s as inspiring to teach as it is to learn. This specification recognises the well-established methodologies of computing, alongside the technological advances which make it such a dynamic subject. We’ve built on the most popular aspects of our current specification and added fresh features including a programming exam to provide a programme of study for students of all ability levels. You can choose from a range of programming languages, enabling you to tailor your teaching to the strengths and preferences of yourself and your students. Our exam papers retain our commitment to clear wording and structure, helping students to progress through each paper with confidence. Students will complete this course equipped with the logical and computational skills necessary to succeed at A-level, the workplace or beyond. As part of our ongoing commitment to provide excellent support, you’ll see we’ve created fantastic free teaching resources and can offer great value professional development courses. We’re also collaborating with publishers to ensure you have engaging and easy-to-use textbooks. You can find out about all [our Computer Science qualifications at](our Computer Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/computer-science)[ ](our Computer Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/computer-science)[aqa.org.uk/computer-science](our Computer Science qualifications at aqa.org.uk/computer-science) 1.2 Support and resources to h

FAQs

What does the GCSE Computer Science (8525) specification cover at a high level?

It provides the course rationale, specification overview, subject content areas, and the assessment structure, including scheme of assessment elements and general administration requirements.

Which subject content areas are included in the specification?

The specification lists core areas such as algorithms, programming, data representation, computer systems, computer networks, cyber security, relational databases and SQL, and the ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology including privacy.

What support and resources does AQA offer to help teachers prepare?

AQA offers teaching resources such as sample papers and mark schemes, schemes of work and lesson plans, AQA approved textbooks, a subject team for support, professional development opportunities, and exam preparation resources including past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, Exampro, and example student answers with commentaries.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by kopisore