Large language models – Edexcel IAL Computer Science lesson

Large language models lesson for Pearson Edexcel International A Level Computer Science, with editable PowerPoint slides, a student worksheet and full answers. A large language model predicts text after training on huge amounts of writing; students cover how it works, its uses and its limits.

Written for Unit 1 Principles of Computer Science, topic 6 Enabling technologies (specification 6.2.3). Everything is editable, so you can adapt it to your class.

What’s included

• PowerPoint lesson (13 slides) with teacher notes on every slide
• Student worksheet (Word), ready to print or edit
• Answer sheet (Word) with mark-scheme style answers for every question

U1.41 Large language models

By the end of the lesson students can:

• Interpret and complete a diagram of how an LLM produces a response
• Explain how context and query wording affect accuracy, and the limits of an LLM’s knowledge
• Explain where bias and subjectivity come from and how they can be reduced

Worksheet sections: A. Key words; B. Complete the LLM system; C. Improve the prompt; D. Exam-style questions; E. Challenge

Every lesson includes

• Learning goals and a starter question
• Clear explanations, diagrams and worked examples (Python 3 throughout, as the specification requires)
• A quick check and a “your turn” task linked to the worksheet
• Exam-style questions with marks, and an exit ticket

Format

• PowerPoint (.pptx) and Word (.docx), fully editable
• Works in PowerPoint and Google Slides
• Calm, muted sixth-form design, consistent across the whole course

These are independent resources written for the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Computer Science specification (Issue 1, first teaching 2026; IAS XCP01, IAL YCP01). They are not produced or endorsed by Pearson.

More lessons in this series

• Previous lesson: AI and machine learning – Edexcel IAL Computer Science lesson
• Next lesson: The IDE and debugging – Edexcel IAL Computer Science lesson
• Save with the bundle: Enabling technologies – Edexcel IAL Computer Science (6 lessons)

Last updated: November 2026.