Computer Science

Examining Body: OCR 

Entry Criteria: Minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least Grade 4 in English Language. Additionally, this course requires Grade 6 or above in either Maths or Computer Science.

A Level Computer Science splits learning into 3 sections: Computer Fundamentals, Programming Techniques and Logical Methods, and a Programming Project. It is a natural progression from GCSE Computer Science, providing the perfect springboard for students looking at specialising in a computing-based career. Students study a range of theories, including the principles and understanding linked to programming; topics such as hardware and software, networks, systems, development life cycles and implications of computer use.

This A Level will develop your ability to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically, and critically. You will apply skills in, and an understanding of, computing (including programming) to a range of contexts to solve problems. You will delve into producing graphical user interfaces and object-orientated programming solutions. Through the creation of a programming project, you will have the opportunity to create a substantial piece of software using modern design methods and in the programming language of your choice.

Component 01: Computer systems (written examination worth 40%): You 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 your work in component 03. You will explore 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 (written examination worth 40%): You will explore what is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally); you will engage in problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems; you explore algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.

Component 03: Programming project (coursework worth 20%): You are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. You 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 you and provides you with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.