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
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
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
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/
KS5: Recommended text book:
OCR AS and A Level Computer Science, PG Online, PM Heathcote, 2016
Other useful Links:
https://www.python.org/downloads/ - Python version 3.5 (free)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0HzEBLlJxlrwBAHJ5S9JQg/playlists?shelf_id=10&view=50&sort=dd – A-Level computer Science revision videos for full Specification