Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Computer Science
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.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
OCR
Course leader
Miss V Allen
Assessment
- Examination: 80%
- 40% Component two: algorithms and programming, 2 hours and 30 minutes, 140 marks.
- 40% Component one: computer systems, 2 hours and 30 minutes, 140 marks.
- Non-examined assessment: 20%
- 20% Component three: programming project, 70 marks.
Curriculum
Topics
- Characteristics of contemporary systems architecture: operating systems
- Software and software development: introduction to programming
- Exchanging data: databases, networks and web technologies
- Data types, representation and structures: using Boolean algebra
- Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues: computing-related laws
- Elements of computational thinking: understanding computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming: programming techniques, software development methodologies
- Algorithms: analysis and design
Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of the three components. They will be assessed in the written papers and through the non-examined assessment where appropriate.
Skills and requirements
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in a GCSE computer science.
- Grade 5 in GCSE maths (ECDL is not sufficient).
Beyond the classroom
Outside of 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 for cyber security, hardware and software.
Future pathways
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
- Cyber security 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 to explore potential career choices.
