Head of Computer Science: Ms F Diallo
A Level Computer Science helps students understand the core academic principles of Computer Science. Classroom learning is transferred into real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. Our A Level will develop your technical understanding and your ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. Computer Science has strong connections to many other disciplines. Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Economics combine well with Computer Science.
Course content
Examination board: OCR
Unit 1: Computer Systems
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Software and software development
- Exchanging data and computer Networks
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Uni 2 Algorithms and programming
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Unit 3 Programming project
The learner will 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
Assessment
Unit 1 Computer System: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Written paper. No calculator allowed. 40% of total A Level.
Unit 2 Algorithm and Programming: 2 hours and 30 minutes. Written paper. No calculator allowed. 40% of total A Level.
Unit 3 Programming Project: Non exam assessment 20% of total A Level.
The non-examination assessment
The non-examination assessment assesses a student’s ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving.
Co-curricular
In the Sixth Form students are given the opportunity to go beyond the A Level Computer Science curriculum. They learn and practise how to develop AI programs and computer games.
University and beyond
Computer Science is the industry of the future and students who study Computer Science at A Level have to be logical and resilient. The people with these skills are in great demand by universities and employers alike.
There is a shortage of qualified graduates available to the industry and students that go on to study Computer Science at degree level will be employable in a huge range of industries.
Computer Science at A level is valued by universities and employers since it requires the development of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. This course also lays an appropriate foundation for further study or careers based on many subjects including, but not exclusive to Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Physics.