Computer Science

Our A Level Computer Science qualification helps students understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. Our A Level will develop the student’s technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. The course is made up of 3 component parts which are outlined below:

Component 01: Computer systems

Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in component 03. It covers:

• 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 02: Algorithms and programming

This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and problem-solving. It covers:

• What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally)
• 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 03: 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.

This qualification is suitable for learners intending to pursue any career in which an understanding of technology is needed. The qualification is also suitable for any further study as part of a course of general education. It will provide learners with a range of transferable skills which will facilitate personal growth and foster cross curriculum links in areas such as maths, science and design and technology.

Computer Science is a very creative subject and skills such as problem solving, and analytical thinking will all be refined and explored as learner’s progress through the learning and assessment programme

2 x 2.5 hour written exams, each worth 40% of total A Level

1 x Programming project worth 20% of total A Level

OCR

• Minimum Required GCSE Grade - Subject specific

• Computer Science: 6

• Mathematics: 6