A Level Computer Science

Exam Board

OCR

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Computer Science

What will I study?

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

 

Computer Systems (01)

• 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

 

Algorithms and Programming (02)

• Elements of computational thinking

• Problem solving and programming

• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

 

Programming Project (03)

• Analysis of the problem

• Design of the solution

• Developing the solution

• Evaluation

Assessment

Computer Systems (01) – 2 hours and 30 minutes exam – 40% of total A Level

Algorithms and Programming (02) – 2 hours and 30 minutes exam – 40% of total A Level

Programming Project (03) – Controlled Assessment – 20% of total A Level

What skills will I gain?

• Problem Solving

• Mathematical skills

• Creativity 

Future Pathways

Computer Science has become a highly valued subject over the last few years with the development of Social Media sites and mobile applications. Future career paths include: Programmer, Web Developer, Game Developer, Web Designer, IT Consultant, Business Analyst