A Level Computer Science

Computer Science will above all else be relevant to the modern and changing world of computing and computer science. It has an open source ethos allowing any programming language that meets the needs of the course to be used. Computer Science is a practical subject where you can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The course values computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

This course will be an excellent stepping stone to university or an apprenticeship in computing. Computer Science is a creative subject which involves the invention and development of ideas through coding. This qualification gives students an excellent opportunity to investigate how computers work and how they are used to develop computer programming and problem solving skills.

Component 1: Computer Systems

Students are introduced to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
• Data exchange between different systems
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.

Component 2: Algorithms and Programming

This builds on Component 1 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.

• What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
• Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
• Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems

Component 3: Programming Project

Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages.

You will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of post-school life and is of particular relevance to Higher Education and the workplace. You are able to tailor your project to fit your individual needs, choices and aspirations. This two-year course, which includes a work experience placement in each year of the course. Detailed support is provided in helping you to select and arrange a work experience placement which supports this and other aspects of your programme of study.

This qualification consists of two examined components (1 and 2), externally assessed by OCR and one internally assessed and moderated non exam assessment component (3 or 4). Both examinations are of 2 hours and 30 minutes duration, each with a 40% weighting. The non-exam assessment component weighted at 20%.

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including:

• Grade 4 in GCSE English Language
• Grade 4 in GCSE Maths
• Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science or related subject

The course provides excellent preparation for higher level study, degree or degree apprenticeship programmes, as well direct entry into work, in either a local, national or international role. The skills which this course provides compliment others on offer; be that study in other areas of science, mathematics or a focus on business use of the technology. Critical analysis, scoping and prototyping are just some of the transferable skills which employers and higher level provider value.