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