Computer Science — Computer Systems and Architecture

Exam board: AQA  |  Back to subjects

Board-Specific Note

AQA specification; content aligns with the national A-Level syllabus.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the CPU and fetch-decode-execute cycle
• Understand memory
• Describe storage

Key Points

• ALU, CU, registers
• RAM vs ROM
• Virtual memory and cache

Lesson Plan (50 minutes)

1. Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of computer systems and architecture with quick questions.
2. Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
3. Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
4. Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: What does the ALU do?. Solution: Performs arithmetic and logic operations
5. Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
6. Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.

Homework

• Order the FDE cycle steps
• Compare RAM and ROM
• Why is cache used?

Assessment

Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.