Computer Science
Computer Science equips students to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world.
Digital technology is driving extraordinary global changes, so it’s crucial that students are educated to make use of their opportunities. The tools and knowledge learnt in Computer Science enable students to effectively use and utilise digital tools, preparing them for daily tasks and careers in their future lives.
Examination Board: OCR
Course Description
A Level Computer Science blends practical problem-solving with the theoretical knowledge that underpins technology and the systems that make up the real world. Students are able to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.
You will build your understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. You will design your own unique programs using creativity, reasoning and ingenuity, analysing problems in computational terms through practical experience.
You will use your mathematical skills to express computational laws and processes. During the course you will explore the relationships between different aspects of Computer Science and consider the moral, social, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13.
Assessment includes an independent programming project which contributes 20% towards the final grade. Students should expect to be spending at least 160 hours over the 2 years developing a functioning program and documenting the development process in a substantial
written document.
Entry Requirements
Students are not required to study Computer Science or DIgital IT In Y10/11, but it would be greatly beneficial. Where a GCSE course has been completed a Grade 5 or higher is required. Without a GCSE in Computing or BTEC in Digital IT, a Grade 6 in Mathematics is required.
Where might it lead?
A Level Computer Science can help open doors to careers as:
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Engineer
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Machine learning engineer
- Nanotechnologist
- Network engineer
- Researcher
- Secondary school teacher
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
Student Destinations
Alexander Tubbs
2024 Offers From:
- Anglia Ruskin University – Computer Games Programming (with placement)
- University of Gloucestershire – Computer Games Programming (with placement)
- Kingston University – Computer Games Programming (with Sandwich Year)
- Solent University (Southampton) – Computer Games Programming and Design with Placement
- Staffordshire University – Computer Games Programming (with placement)
Toby Davis
2024 Offers From:
- Aberystwyth University – Software Engineering (with integrated year in industry)
- Cardiff University – Applied Software Engineering
- University of Kent – Software Engineering
- Lancaster University – Software Engineering
- University of Leicester – Software Engineering