A Level

A-Level (OCR H446) Computer Science

Specification Download

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.

Below are the list of individual topics they will look at over the duration of the course.

Cycle	Year 12		Year 13
1	Computational Thinking	Systems Software	Programming Techniques	Practical Project / NEA (Units will support the development of this)
2	Components of a computer	Network and Web Technologies	Algorithms
3	Data Structures	Exchanging Data	Computational Thinking ¦ Data Structures
4	Software Development	Data Types	System Software ¦ Components of a Computer
5	Algorithms	Programming Techniques	Revision
6	Boolean Algebra	Legal & Cultural Issues	Revision

Careers:

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

a level curriculum

Computer Science Subject Ambassadors

At Norlington A-Level Students are given the opportunity to become subject ambassadors/mentors to students lower down in the school within the subject area. They are given opportunities to assist either in lessons or during lower school extra-curricular opportunities. Their role is to provide guidance, share knowledge and their own personal experiences of studying computer science at the school.

Extra-Curricular/Enrichment opportunities:

The computing department offers some exciting enrichment opportunities for the students throughout the year.

Computer Science Subject Ambassadors

Bebras Computing Challenge:

Students will be given the opportunity to take part in the Bebras Computing Challenge which runs annually in November. The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to students. It is organised in over 40 countries and designed to get students all over the world excited about computing. Students who reach the top 20% nationally will be invited to take part in the TCS Oxford Computing Challenge. Further information can be found at: http://www.bebras.uk/

iDEA (Duke of York) Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award

iDEA is a programme that helps you develop digital and enterprise skills for free. Through our series of online challenges and events, you can win career-enhancing badges, unlock new opportunities and, ultimately, gain industry recognized awards that help you stand out from the crowd. iDEA is for anyone who wants to develop their skills. Further information can be found at: http://idea.org.uk/