AQA · GCSE · 8525
Computer Science — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525)
AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525)
AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) — Specification (2026)
Topics align to AQA GCSE Computer Science (fundamentals of algorithms & programming; programming; data representation; computer systems; networks; cybersecurity; databases; ethical/legal/environmental impacts).
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes credit correct technical terms and clear, testable statements. Use precise definitions (e.g., ‘bandwidth’, ‘latency’, ‘encryption’) and reference why a technique improves security or performance.
Active recall: 0 / 33 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithms & programming | Essential | Algorithm | A step-by-step method for solving a problem. | |
| Algorithms & programming | Core | Iteration | Repeating a section of code using a loop until a condition is met. | |
| Algorithms & programming | Core | Selection | Choosing between alternative paths using a condition (e.g., if/else). | |
| Algorithms & programming | Advanced | Trace table | A table used to track variable values step-by-step through an algorithm. | |
| Data representation | Essential | Binary | A base-2 number system using 0 and 1. | |
| Data representation | Core | Bit | A binary digit (0 or 1). | |
| Data representation | Core | Byte | A group of 8 bits. | |
| Data representation | Advanced | ASCII | A character set that represents text characters using binary codes. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Core | Protocol | A set of rules that devices follow to communicate on a network. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Core | Packet | A small unit of data sent across a network, containing data and control information. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Advanced | Encryption | Converting plaintext into ciphertext using a key to protect confidentiality. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Advanced | Authentication | Verifying the identity of a user or device (e.g., passwords, biometrics, 2FA). | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Core | Bandwidth | The maximum data transfer capacity of a connection, often in bits per second. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Core | Latency | Delay between sending data and it being received. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Advanced | Firewall | Hardware/software that monitors and controls network traffic based on rules. | |
| Networks & cybersecurity | Advanced | Phishing | A fraudulent attempt to obtain data by pretending to be a trusted source. | |
| Computer systems | Essential | CPU | Central processing unit: executes instructions and processes data. | |
| Computer systems | Core | Fetch–decode–execute cycle | Process where the CPU fetches an instruction, decodes it, then executes it. | |
| Computer systems | Core | RAM | Random access memory: temporary working memory used by running programs. | |
| Computer systems | Core | ROM | Read-only memory: stores firmware/boot instructions. | |
| Computer systems | Core | Operating system | System software that manages hardware, files, memory, and provides a user interface. | |
| Computer systems | Advanced | Embedded system | A dedicated computer system built into a device to perform a specific function. | |
| Data & databases | Core | Data type | A classification of data (e.g., integer, real, Boolean, string). | |
| Data & databases | Core | Validation | Checking data is reasonable/acceptable (e.g., range check) before processing. | |
| Data & databases | Core | Database | An organised collection of data that can be searched, sorted, and updated. | |
| Data & databases | Core | Primary key | A field that uniquely identifies a record in a table. | |
| Data & databases | Advanced | SQL | Structured Query Language used to query and manipulate relational databases. | |
| Data & databases | Advanced | Normalisation | Structuring a database to reduce duplication and improve data integrity. | |
| Ethical, legal & environmental impacts | Core | Copyright | Legal right that protects original creative work from unauthorised use. | |
| Ethical, legal & environmental impacts | Core | Open source | Software with source code that can be inspected, modified, and shared. | |
| Ethical, legal & environmental impacts | Core | Data privacy | Protecting personal data from misuse or unauthorised access. | |
| Ethical, legal & environmental impacts | Advanced | Digital divide | Gap between those with access to technology and those without. | |
| Ethical, legal & environmental impacts | Advanced | E-waste | Discarded electronic devices and components that require safe disposal/recycling. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Computer Science (8525) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE Computer Science keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important computer science terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) — Specification (2026) (8525). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Computer Science glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Computer Science (8525) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Computer Science.
- Can I download this Computer Science keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Computer Science list aligned to the 8525 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Computer Science at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.