A LEVEL
Computing
Computing is about understanding how technology works and how to shape the world through code, using creativity, logic and problem-solving.
You won’t just learn how to use technology, you’ll learn to create it. You’ll explore how computers think, how data moves, and how innovation can improve lives.
From writing code to tackling real-world problems, Computing at St Paul’s challenges you to think deeply, work collaboratively and bring ideas to life.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Computing at St Paul’s taught me to think differently, to approach problems with curiosity and persistence. The encouragement from my teachers helped me build confidence in my abilities and inspired me to push my skills further than I imagined.
Why Choose Computing at St Paul’s?
- Learn through doing. You’ll spend time writing, testing and debugging real code in a range of languages, not just learning theory, so that ideas come to life.
- Smaller classes, greater support. You’ll benefit from individual attention, challenge, and encouragement to experiment and grow.
- Specialist teachers who care. Passionate experts who go beyond the textbook to spark curiosity and build confidence.
- A community that values curiosity and care. You’ll be known, supported, and inspired to find joy in solving problems, not just getting answers.
- A subject that opens doors. Computing develops creative, logical and analytical skills that lead to exciting futures in technology, science, business and beyond.
Where Computing Can Take You
Computing opens doors to almost every modern career. Whether you see yourself designing software, analysing data, creating apps, exploring AI or leading innovation in business, this course gives you the tools to shape the future.
Our students go on to study and work in fields such as:
- Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Games Design, App and Web Development, Robotics and Machine Learning
- Finance, Research, Education, and emerging tech sectors that don’t even exist yet
You’ll leave St Paul’s with confidence in your ability to think logically, solve complex problems, and make an impact in a digital world.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You’ll develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on programming skills through a broad, challenging curriculum.
Core Content
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Data Representation and Computer Systems
- Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Communication and Networking
- Databases and Big Data
- Functional Programming
- Consequences of Computing
Independent Project (20%)
You’ll design and develop your own original computing project, applying your skills to solve a real-world problem creatively and independently.
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Computing Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
This course does not have additional entry requirements beyond our standard entry requirements.
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
Maths at St Paul’s really boosted my confidence. The teachers never let you struggle alone, they always explained things in different ways until it clicked. Because of that support, I achieved more than I thought I could and now I’m planning to study Engineering at university. It’s opened so many doors for me.
In lower school the larger class size made me rarely feel like I was fully challenged to improve my mathematical abilities. However, the small classes at A-Level in St Paul’s has boosted my confidence a lot, as the teachers get to know you well and are always there to support you. Maths is also a great asset to have for university applications.
Maths is an awesome subject. I enjoy the challenging aspect of problem solving and greatly appreciate the support that the Maths department at St Paul’s is always happy and ready to give.
Mr J Chattell
COMPUTING CO-ORDINATOR
I’m excited to share the problem-solving side of Computing with you: writing, testing and improving real programs.
If you have questions about content, projects, careers, or entry requirements, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to explore how technology shapes the world, and learn how to shape it yourself?
Start your Computing journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
ComputingCourse Content
This course offers an up-to-date, challenging and engaging insight into computer science, including the development of practical programming knowledge and skill.Â
Core Content
- Fundamentals of Programming
- Fundamentals of Data Structures
- Fundamentals of Algorithms
- Theory of Computation
- Fundamentals of Data Representation
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems
- Fundamentals of Computer Organisation and Architecture
- Consequences of Uses of Computing
- Fundamentals of Communication and Networking
- Fundamentals of Databases
- Big Data
- Fundamentals of Functional Programming
- Systematic Approach to Problem Solving
| PAPER 1Computing Fundamentals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
40% |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours 30 Minutes |
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FORMAT |
On-Screen Exam |
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Students answer a series of short questions and write, adapt or extend program(s).
| PAPER 2Programming Techniques & Logical Methods | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
40% |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours 40 Minutes |
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Paper 2 consists of a series of short-answer and extended-answer questions.
| NEAComputing Project | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
20% (75 Marks) |
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The non-exam assessment assesses the student’s ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem.
