Oct 13, 2025

AQA A Level Computer Science Past Papers (7517) for Paper 1 and Paper 2

Short description: Download the latest AQA A Level Computer Science past papers (7517) for Paper 1 and Paper 2, plus mark schemes and examiner reports to revise smarter.

If you’re sitting AQA A Level Computer Science (7517), past papers are the fastest way to improve—because they show you exactly how AQA phrases questions, what “examiner language” looks like, and where marks are actually awarded.

Below you’ll find official PDF downloads for Paper 1 (7517/1) and Paper 2 (7517/2), plus mark schemes.

AQA A Level Computer Science (7517) Past Papers: Paper 1 & Paper 2

How to Use AQA 7517 Past Papers to Boost Your Grade

Most students do past papers the slow way: attempt → check answers → move on. That feels productive, but it doesn’t reliably raise marks.

Use this 3-step method instead:

1) Do a “Targeted Attempt” (not a full paper every time)

Pick one section or one question type (e.g., Big-O, networks, databases, data representation, trace tables).

Set a timer (10–25 minutes)
Work in exam conditions
Write in “mark scheme style” (clear, specific, no fluff)

This builds accuracy faster than grinding full papers too early.

2) Mark like an examiner (and rewrite your answer)

When you mark, don’t just tick/cross.

For every lost mark, write:

What the question wanted (in one sentence)
The exact phrase/point that earns the mark
A corrected “model answer” you can reuse

This is how you turn mistakes into patterns you stop repeating.

3) Create an “AQA Mistakes List” (your personal mark bank)

Keep one running list (notes app is fine) with headings like:

Algorithms / complexity
Data structures
Networks
Databases / SQL
OOP / ADTs
Boolean logic / automata
Programming techniques

Every time you lose a mark, add a one-line fix. Revise that list weekly and your scores climb quickly.

Paper 1 vs Paper 2: What to prioritise

Paper 1 (7517/1)

Paper 1 is often where students drop easy marks through:

vague definitions (AO1)
incomplete explanation chains (AO2)
unclear code/pseudocode logic (AO3)

Focus on: precision, structured explanations, and readable programming.

Paper 2 (7517/2)

Paper 2 punishes “half answers” and rewards:

correct terminology
step-by-step reasoning
working shown clearly

Focus on: method marks, correct units, and “show your logic”.

Want faster progress?

If you want to jump a grade boundary quickly, the biggest lever is feedback on your answers—especially the 6–12 mark questions and the “explain/justify” style prompts.

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