Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

Head of Subject: Mrs T Theron

Entry Requirements:

GCSE Grade 6 or above in Computer Science.

Computers are widely used in all aspects of business, industry, government, education, leisure and the home.Computer Science is relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. This A Level has a focus on programming and the importance of computational thinking as a discipline.

You will also learn the fundamental principles of how computer systems work.

What will you learn in Year12?

You will study computer systems in depth. This includes characteristics of contemporary processors, input/ output and storage devices, software development, exchange of data, web technologies, databases, data types, data structures and algorithms.

You will also develop programming skills and the ability to write algorithms.

This includes elements of computational thinking, problem solving and programming, developing algorithms.

What will you learn in Year13?

You will develop a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of computer science, building on the theory studied in Year 12. Topics are studied at a more advanced level. You will also carry out a practical project tasks where you design, build, test and evaluate a solution of your choice.

Which modules will you take?

Unit 01 - Computer Systems (40% of A Level)

Unit 02 - Algorithms and Programming

(40% of A Level)

Unit 03 - Programming Project (20% of A Level)

Where will this course lead?

A Level Computer Science is valued by universities and employers since it requires the development of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.This course also lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or related subjects in higher education.

Students can go on to a career in technology, science and many more.