Computer Science

A’ Level Computer Science - OCR

This qualification helps students understand the core principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project. The course will develop students’ technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking concepts. All students get the broadest possible understanding and experience of computing in all its contexts.

Course structure: Component 1: Computer Systems (40%) Component 2: Algorithms and Programming (40%) Component 3: Programming Project (20%)

Year 12

Component 1&2 assessed by exam paper 1 &2 (40% each paper)

Topics covered.

Input output and storage devices
Software development
Exchanging data
Data types, structures and Algorithms
Legal, Moral ethical issues
Computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms to solve problems / standard

Year 13

Component 3

NEA project (20%)

The student will be given options of computing problems to solve through a project. Following specification guidance. This section is a huge project.

The project
Analysing
Design of the solution
Development and testing solution
Evaluating of the project.

Links Well With:

A' Level Computer Science links up exceptionally well with subjects that require high-level logical reasoning, mathematical analysis, and structured problem-solving. While it can be paired with a wide range of subjects, its natural, most complementary counterparts are in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Progression Routes:

Software Developer/Engineer, IT Consultant/Systems Analyst, Web Developer/Design, Game Developer/Designer, Database Administrator, IT Support/Technical Specialist.

Entry Requirements:

Grade 6 in Maths, grade 6, in at least two Sciences (triple or combined). Computer science at year 11 would be an added advantage. Students with no computer science knowledge would benefit from computer science related additional reading and directed learning of specific topics.