A Level / A2
Computer Science
Structured resources, paper overview, syllabus breakdown, chapter navigation, and notes for Cambridge International A Level Computer Science 9618.
Quick Resources
Notes
Open A2 Level 9618 topic-based notes.
Syllabus
Official Cambridge A2 Level Computer Science 9618 syllabus.
Book
Recommended coursebook or textbook resource for A2 9618.
Pseudocode Guide
Official Cambridge pseudocode guide for AS/A Level 9618.
Question Bank
Topic-wise and paper-wise A2 Level questions. Currently under construction.
YouTube Playlist
Video lessons and solved paper explanations for A2 Level Computer Science.
Assessment Overview
A Level Computer Science 9618 extends AS knowledge with advanced theory and advanced problem-solving/programming. Paper 3 focuses on advanced theory, while Paper 4 focuses on computational thinking, algorithms, ADTs, recursion and programming paradigms.
Paper 3 – Advanced Theory
Advanced theory content covering data representation, communication and internet technologies, hardware and virtual machines, system software, security, and artificial intelligence.
Duration
A Level component
Marks
A Level assessment
Weight
A2 / A Level content
Content
Topics 13–18
- Based on the A Level theory content.
- Builds on AS theory knowledge.
- Includes advanced computer architecture, operating systems, encryption, AI and Boolean algebra.
- Requires deeper explanation, comparison and application of concepts.
Paper 4 – Practical / Problem-solving
Advanced problem-solving and programming content covering algorithms, recursion, abstract data types, programming paradigms, file processing and exception handling.
Duration
A Level component
Marks
A Level assessment
Weight
A2 / A Level content
Content
Topics 19–20
- Based on the A Level computational thinking and programming content.
- Builds on AS pseudocode and programming skills.
- Includes searching, sorting, ADTs, Big O notation, recursion and programming paradigms.
- Requires algorithm writing, tracing, problem-solving and practical programming understanding.
Syllabus Content
The A Level syllabus is divided into Paper 3 and Paper 4 content. Use “Open Chapter” to open the matching notes chapter, or “Open Description” to expand the detailed syllabus table for each topic.
Paper 3 – Advanced Theory
Topic 13
Data Representation
- • 13.1 User-defined data types
- • 13.2 File organisation and access
- • 13.3 Floating-point numbers, representation and manipulation
Topic 14
Communication and internet technologies
- • 14.1 Protocols
- • 14.2 Circuit switching, packet switching
Topic 15
Hardware and Virtual Machines
- • 15.1 Processors, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
- • 15.2 Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits
Topic 16
System Software
- • 16.1 Purposes of an Operating System
- • 16.2 Translation Software
Topic 17
Security
- • 17.1 Encryption, Encryption Protocols and Digital Certificates
Topic 18
Artificial Intelligence
- • 18.1 Artificial Intelligence
Paper 4 – Practical / Problem-solving (This topics are also in Paper 3)
Topic 19
Computational thinking and Problem-solving
- • 19.1 Algorithms
- • 19.2 Recursion
Topic 20
Further Programming
- • 20.1 Programming Paradigms
- • 20.2 File Processing and Exception Handling