Computer Science
Everyone in this country should learn how to program because it teaches you how to think. (Steve Jobs)
Our Curriculum
You will learn to become a strong programmer using different programming paradigms. As part of this you will explore many of the standard algorithms used in searching, sorting and pathfinding and will be able to select the most appropriate to use, based on its efficiency and suitability for the problem at hand. A diverse range of theoretical topics are covered, including how computers use logic, number systems, networks, databases and more.
The A Level qualification consists of two examined units and one coursework unit.
Content
PAPER 1 (2 hrs 30 Minutes, 40%)
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Software and software development
- Exchanging data
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
PAPER 2 (2 hrs 30 Minutes, 40%)
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Programming Project (20%)
A computing problem will be chosen by the student who will then have to create a program to solve the problem, with all the associated documentation of how the problem was solved.
This will include
- Analysis of the problem
- Design of the solution
- Developing the solution
- Evaluation
The course is designed to allow you to develop an in depth understanding of computational and algorithmic thinking. As well as understanding the theory that underpins how modern computers work.
“At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking: a mode of thought that goes well beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason about systems and problems.”
(CAS-Computer Science a Curriculum for Schools).
Exam Board and Specification
Exam board: OCR
Exam specification: Computer Science - H446
Entry Requirements
Please see the entry requirements document here
Is This Course Right For Me?
Computer Science is a practical subject where you learn to use computers to solve real world problems through programming and logical thinking. If you are interested in logic puzzles and like to problem solve this could be the course for you. If you are interested in how computers work and want to know the technical details of how they work, this could be for you.
Computer science is a challenging and fast-paced subject. It has computational thinking at its core.
Anon.
It is rewarding to contemplate the problems, design and implement solutions and be gratified with a correct answer.
Ben, Year 13 Student
Computer Science is a creative subject that involves the innovative thinking and development of ideas through coding.
Mr Rawlinson
Where will A Level Computer Science take me past Sixth Form?
CAREERS
The skills developed studying computer science are used in many careers such as
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Machine learning engineer
- Penetration tester
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
UNIVERSITY
Some examples of universities and their entry requirements to study Computer Science and other related degrees are;
Aston University: BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering and Computer Science: BBB
University of Manchester: BSc Computer Science: A*AA
Oxford University: BA Computer Science: A*AA
Coventry University: BSc (Hons) Cloud Communications and Networking: BBB