Computer Science
QUALIFICATION
Advanced Level
Exam Board: OCR
REQUIREMENTS
A grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science and GCSE Mathematics
or Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics
Why study Computer Science?
Computer Science is at the forefront of the modern and changing world of computing. It is a theoretical and practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in class to real world systems. It is also a creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. In addition, the course enables you to learn to program using programming languages that are sought after in industry.
What skills are required?
Computer Science is an innovative subject and skills such as problem solving and being able to apply computational thinking to solve complex problems are advantageous. Computational thinking is an important part of A Level Computer Science as the course will require you to identify and break down problems, extract key information, and develop a workable solution which is then tested and evaluated. Students opting for this course will build upon, refine, and explore these skills further as they progress through the course.
Course Content
The A Level Computer Science qualification splits learning into three units:
01 Computer Systems
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Software and software development
- Exchanging data
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
02 Algorithms and Programming
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
03 Programming Project.
Students choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.
- Analysis of the problem
- Design of the solution
- Developing the solution
- Evaluation
How will it be assessed?
01 Computer Systems
- 40% of total A Level
- 2 hour 30 minutes written paper exam
- 140 marks
- No calculator allowed
02 Programming Techniques and Logical Methods
- 40% of total A Level
- 2 hour 30 minutes written paper exam
- 140 marks
- No calculator allowed
03 A Programming Project.
- 20% of total A Level
- Non-exam Assessment
Progression
There are many opportunities to study computer science or related courses at university following an A Level in Computer Science. Examples include artificial intelligence, software engineering, cyber security, computer networks and games programming.
Following an A Level in Computer Science there are also opportunities to apply for an apprenticeship in a related field such as computer networks and cyber security.
Seeking industry certification is another path to a career within the industry. An example of this is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Staff Contacts
emma.dunning2@oldburywells.com