The aims of a course based on this syllabus should be to develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers, the range of applications of computers and the effects of their use, the organisation of computer systems including software, data, hardware, communications and people, and to acquire the skills necessary to apply this understanding to developing computer-based solutions to problems.

The syllabus is comprised of 4 components:

• Paper 1 (written) and Paper 2 (practical tasks)
• Paper 3 (written) and Paper 4 (coursework project).

Centres and candidates may choose:

• To take all Advanced Level components in the same examination session leading to the full A Level.
• To follow a staged assessment route to the Advanced Level by taking the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification in an earlier examination session. Subject to satisfactory performance such candidates are then only required to take the final part of the assessment (referred to in this syllabus as A2) leading to the full A Level.
• To take the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification only.
  
  Source: University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate