Computer Science

Qualification

 A Level

Exam Board

 OCR

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English – Grade 5
• GCSE Maths – Grade 5
• GCSE Computer Science – Grade 5

Course Overview

This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking; general problem solving; algorithmic and mathematical reasoning; and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding future challenges in this fast-moving technological world. Computing is an exciting course that gives you a strong understanding of how computers work and how to write your own programs.

Computer Science is an exciting but demanding subject that will help you develop an analytical, problem-solving approach, which is sometimes called 'computational thinking’. The course will equip you with the fundamentals of problem-solving, which you will put into practice by developing computer programs.

The thinking skills developed during the course are precisely those needed to design the new algorithms needed to meet the challenges.

Assessment Methods

Paper 1: Computer Systems                         

Paper 2: Algorithms and Programming

Each written paper is 2 hours, 30 minutes long, worth 140 marks and accounts for 40% of the total A Level.

Programming Project -Non-exam assessment. It is worth 70 marks and accounts for 20% of the total A Level.

QE6 Extras / Co-Curriculum Opportunities

You will be part of the Computing & ICT Department which is very active in organising enrichment activities. We organise various activities throughout the year such as University trips.

We also organise ‘Technology’ trips to various industries within the country and abroad.  Computing & ICT students are encouraged to take part in taster days, competitions and other trips and activities that are on offer.

Progression

You can take a degree in Computing or Computer Science or perhaps a more focused degree such as Software Engineering or Artificial Intelligence. Computing graduates have a very marketable degree.

One can study Computer Science and go on to a career in Medicine, Law, Business, Politics or any type of Science. However, if you decide to do a Computer Science related degree then this A Level will be extremely useful.