Qualification: A-level

Exam Board: OCR

Entry Requirements: Grade 5 or above in a GCSE Computer Science and Grade 5 or above in Maths (ECDL is NOT sufficient).

Introduction

A-level Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems.

Computer Science splits learning into three sections: computer fundamentals, programming techniques and logical methods, and a programming project. It provides the perfect springboard for students looking at specialising in a computing-based career. Within the course, students study a range of theory topics, which include the principles and understanding linked to programming, topics such as hardware and software, networks, systems development life cycles and implications of computer use.

The course values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

The course

The course includes:

• 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
• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem-solving and programming
• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithm

Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of the three components. They will be assessed on the written papers and through the non-examined assessment where appropriate.

Equipment required

Students need a folder and refill pad for note-taking. They qill also need access to a computer at home. Laptops are ideal as they can be taken into lesson during the programming projects in both years.

Beyond the classroom

Outside the classroom students should be undertaking complex programming tasks. These are where students will truly learn the art of programming. They should be taking the lessons from the classroom and trying to apply them to their own projects consistently throughout the course. Students will also need to be looking at the latest trends in cybersecurity, hardware and software.

Examinations and Assessment

Component one: computer systems, 2 hours and 30 minutes, 140 marks and 40% overall weighting. Component two: algorithms and programming, 2 hours and 30 minutes, 140 marks and 40% overall weighting.

Component three: programming project, 70 marks and 20% overall weighting.

Progression

Following successful completion of this course, there are many routes which can be utilised. University, employment and level 4 higher apprenticeships are the main options but each one has a wide range of potential options. Typical career paths can include:

• Application analyst
• Applications developer
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Forensic computer analyst
• Game designer
• Games developer
• Information systems manager
• IT consultant
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
• UX designer
• Web designer
• Web developer

This course will give you a deeper understanding and allow you to gain valuable knowledge as well as explore potential career choices.