Computer Science
Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. Computers solve problems to serve people and so there is a significant human side to computer science as well.
Students will learn how a computer functions and how to design their own programs to utilise the power of computers. It is both analytical and creative, and the best computer scientists can combine the two.
Entry Requirements
Computer Science A Level requires an entry criteria of a 6 in Computer Science at GCSE or a 6 in Maths at GCSE.
What will I Study?
In A Level Computer Science, students learn the principles of computation and algorithms, computer programming, machine data representation, computer systems (hardware and software), computer organisation and architecture, communications and networking, databases and the consequences of using computing. Students will also learn a range of programming languages including Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, Assembly Language as well as being given autonomy to develop their own extended project in any language and field of their choice.
Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?
The exam board is OCR.
Click here to access the exam board webpage for this specification.
You will sit two exams in addition to a non-exam assessment:
Computer Systems (2h 30m) – 40%
• Algorithms and Programming (2h 30m) – 40%
• Programming Project – 20%
The Programming Project is a task of your own choosing, and you will analyse, design, develop and evaluate a solution from start to finish over an extended period of time. This could take the form of a game, simulator, desktop software or mobile app. The project can be tailored to your specific interests to help you on a chosen career path.
Where could this subject take me?
Computer Science A Level provides students with outstanding career prospects and develops higher level problem solving skills. The possibilities are endless! Computer Science opens the doors to university degrees and apprenticeships in an ever-growing industry. Jobs can include AI, Robotics, Cyber Security, Programming, Software Development, Project Management as well as support applications for social media development, website designs, application design. All large companies now use technology in some way to support their business and IT is at the heart of improving productivity. It is one of the industries that you can guarantee will have a significant amount of jobs for the next 50 years!
How can I get ahead in this subject
You can get ahead in the subject by thinking about future enhancements in IT and reading around the subject. It is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and continuously enhance your skills in new technologies. This qualification provides a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge allowing students to develop a strong understanding of fundamental computing concepts and technologies.This can involve exploring emerging technologies such as AI, attending industry conferences, participating in coding competitions, or even undertaking relevant online courses or certifications.
Students could visit the Museum of Science and Industry to look at the “Baby” Computer, one of the first electronically stored computers in the world. You could also follow technical blogs such as wired or watching BBC iplayer.
It would support students to develop their programming skills in python and you can use websites including CodeAcademy and W3Schools to support the learning of a programming language, however, there are numerous other courses online to support the development of programming.
Keeping up to date with current affairs.
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