Back

AQA GCSE (8525) resources updated for teaching from September 2025

Following AQA releasing an updated version of their GCSE specification we have updated our resources.

1 July 2025

AQA have released an update to their GCSE (8525) specification for teaching from September 2025. This update only applies to year 10 sitting exams in 2027 and not year 11 sitting exams in 2026. The exam board have removed some content in response to the Government’s GCSE computer science subject content update – GOV.UK.

We worked closely with AQA from the early stages of their proposals to ensure CraignDave resources would be fully updated and ready for teachers in the summer term of 2025.

Changes to our resources include:

In the videos we highlight what content is necessary for both year 10 and only year 11. Our classroom resources have either been updated or include two versions of each file. E.g.

SLR 3 Workbook (First teaching 2025 onwards).pptx for 2027 exams.
SLR 3 Workbook.pptx for 2026 exams.

UTF-8 is witchcraft, right?

Ever wondered how your computer can happily store a simple English letter, an emoji, a pound sign and characters from […]

22 September 2026

Why teaching models keep returning

Teaching frameworks can provide valuable guidance, but when they become rigid formulas, they can undermine professional judgement. The goal isn’t identical lessons – it’s consistently effective teaching.

18 September 2026

Do GCSEs doom students to fail?

GCSE results may look stubbornly flat, but the reality behind the numbers tells a very different story. Why has further improvement become so difficult, and are we measuring success in the right way?

11 September 2026

Will Quantum Computers Break Encryption?

Could quantum computers really break encryption and put our data at risk? We explore the reality behind the hype, from qubits and Shor’s Algorithm to the future of post-quantum security.

7 September 2026

Is AI a panacea?

AI is moving from experimentation to expectation in schools. But as adoption grows, the focus must shift from simply using AI to using it well. Discover how schools can balance workload, learning, safety and professional judgement — without losing the human element of great teaching.

4 September 2026

Digital ID cards: The future of work or a privacy nightmare?

Are digital ID cards the future of convenience or a threat to privacy? Explore the benefits, risks, and debate behind the UK’s proposed digital ID system.

31 August 2026

Why does your phone get dimmer in the sun?

Ever wondered why your phone dims when you’re in the sun? It’s not being lazy—your device is protecting itself from heat, battery strain, and OLED burn-in.

28 August 2026

Do we really use database normalisation in the real world?

Database normalisation keeps data consistent and tidy, but in the real world, speed often wins over strict rules. Discover how companies like Twitter balance correctness with performance.

26 August 2026

Why do batteries get worse over time?

Ever wondered why your phone battery doesn’t last like it used to? Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time due to stress, heat, and chemical reactions, slowly reducing their charge capacity.

24 August 2026

Looking for something else?

Have any questions?

Visit our Helpdesk to get answers!

Visit page

Explore our full range of Study Tools