Computer Science

A Level Computer Science

About A Level Computer Science

Entry requirements: A minimum grade 6 in GCSE Maths.

Course Content:

Students will follow the OCR A-level Computer Science course.

The OCR Computer Science specification truly reflects the essence of Computer Science. It is recognised by Higher Education as a rigorous scientific subject and reveals the subject to be a fundamental, academic discipline underpinning other subjects

Assessment Objective 1	Assessment Objective 2	Assessment Objective 3
Structure and Function of Processor Types of Processor Input, Output and storage Systems Software Software Development Types of Programming Language Compression, Encryption and Hashing Databases Networks Web Technologies Data Types Data Structures Boolean Algebra Computing Related Legislation Ethic, moral and cultural issues	Thinking Abstractly Thinking Ahead Thinking Procedurally Thinking Logically Thinking Concurrently Programming Techniques Computation Methods Algorithms	Analysis of the problem Problem identification Stakeholders Research the problem Specify the proposed solution Design of the solution Decompose the problem Describe the solution Describe the approach to testing Developing the solution Iterative development process Testing to inform development Evaluation Testing to inform evaluation Success of the solution Describe the final product Maintenance and development

Assessment:

Paper 1 – 40% of A-Level – 2 ½ hour written examination

Paper 2 – 40% of A-Level – 2 ½ hour written examination

Project – 20% of A-Level – practical project

Non-exam assessment allows you to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical problem of interest over an extended period.

Higher Educations and Careers:

Computer Science is a subject which is becoming more and more central to every type of business.

A good foundation in Computer Science will enable students to follow one of a wide variety of career paths. Well qualified and skilled programmers are in great demand.

The course is also an excellent preparation if students want to study or work in areas that rely on the skills they will develop, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, design, financial and resource management, science and medicine.

Having a Computer Science qualification will provide students with a foundation of knowledge, problem solving and logical thinking that will serve as a competitive advantage to them in a wide range of careers.

Many universities are now having a strong push to recruit more students on Computer Science courses. It also is an excellent foundation for a degree in many other subjects, including Physics, Maths, Engineering, Biology, Economics and Finance.

Future opportunities in computing are without boundaries. Computer Science is one of those fields where it is almost impossible to predict what will happen next.