Computer Science – A Level

"Computer Science calls for logical discipline and imaginative creativity.”

Entry Requirements

Three GCSEs at grade 4 plus a grade 5 in Maths

Subject Intent

The Computer Science curriculum allows students to apply both abstract concepts and mathematics in real world solutions, making the course have a real life and relevant focus. Computer Science qualifications address the shortage in the UK jobs market, preparing our students for a wide range of degree courses, apprenticeships, and future roles in an ever evolving and exciting sector.

Course Introduction

In our digital age A Level Computer Science is a strong choice and will open up endless opportunities. Whether you are aiming for a career as a programmer or not, the course will develop your problem solving and analytical skills which are extremely valued by employers.

As part of the course, you will investigate the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. It is not necessary to have any previous knowledge of computing as we will teach you a programming language. You will develop the ability to analyse problems in computational terms and use programs to solve problems.

Computers are widely used in all aspects of government, business, industry, education, leisure and the home. Computer Science encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems, and it extends your horizons beyond the college environment to appreciate the effects of computer applications on society and individuals.

Students taking A Level Computer Science have gone on to a range of computing degrees including games design, computer engineering, computer forensics, and computer security and encryption.

Course Modules

Component 1: Computer systems

This component will introduce learners to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types, data structures, Boolean algebra, networks, web technologies and legal and ethical issues. It is expected that learners will draw on this underpinning content when studying computational thinking, developing programming techniques and devising their own programming approach in the Programming project component.

Written examination: 2.5 hours. 40% of qualification

Component 2: Algorithms and programming

This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer Systems component.

In addition, learners should:

• understand what is meant by computational thinking
• understand the benefits of applying computational thinking to solving a wide variety of problems
• understand the principles of solving problems by computational methods
• be able to use algorithms to describe problems
• be able to analyse a problem by identifying its component parts.

Written examination: 2.5 hours. 40% of qualification

Component 3: Programming project

Learners will be expected to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The underlying approach to the project is to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding problem. Learners are expected to apply appropriate principles from an agile development approach to the project development.

Programming evidence, code and report: 20% of qualification

Assessment

There are two written examinations (80%) and a coursework component (20%)

Course Fact

You will work with an end-user and produce a real system for your coursework

Example Career Opportunities

Games Designer | Security Analyst | Intelligence Officer | Computer Forensic Scientist | Programmer | Systems Engineer CRM Business Manager | E-Commerce Analyst | Web Developer | Data Architect