Computer Science

Computer Science

Why choose Computer Science? 

“At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking: a mode of thought that goes well beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason about systems and problems” 

A level Computer Science 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. The A Level will develop the student’s technical understanding and her ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. 

What are the aims of the course? 

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:

• An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
• The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so.
• The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
• Mathematical skills.

What study skills do you need?

• A good understanding of how technology works
• The ability to analyse problems and trace them to their core causes.
• The ability to use a systematic approach to work and problem solving.
• Mathematical skills include Boolean algebra, number representation and bases.
• Attention to detail is crucial.
• The ability to predict and diagnose problems

GCSE requirements

Minimum 7 in computer science GCSE or at least a grade 7 in Mathematics and English Language GCSE’s.

Course content

The content of this A Level in Computer Science is divided into three components:

1. Computer systems component (01) contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.
2. Algorithms and programming component (02) relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in Component 01.
3. Programming project component (03 or 04) is a practical portfolio based assessment with a task that is chosen by the teacher or learner and is produced in an appropriate programming language of the learner’s or teacher’s choice. 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. The quality of extended responses are assessed in the written papers where indicated by an asterisk. It is marked using levels of response style mark schemes and in the Evaluation section of the Programming project component.

CAS – Computer Science a Curriculum for Schools. 

OCR A Level Computer Science (H446)  

Further education and career opportunities

This course will enable learners to progress to higher study or to progress directly to employment.

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 learners progress through the learning and assessment programme.