Subject Information

Computer Science

Subject Video

A Level Computer Science from the exam board OCR, aims to build on students' computing skills gained at Key Stage 4.  Specifically, it aims to encourage students to develop:

  • • an understanding of, and ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation; 
  • • the ability to analyse problems in computational terms, through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so; 
  • • the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically; 
  • • the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science; 
  • • mathematical skills; 
  • • the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. 

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Subject Details

Course:

A-Level Computer Science

FOR ENTRY SEPTEMBER 2023

Exam board: OCR    


Type of vocational pathway: A-Level


Specification A-level equivalent: 

A Level in Computer Science (H446)

We want students who:

•    Are motivated and willing to work hard.

•    Are willing to complete independent tasks in study time, in school, and at home.

•    Have an interest in ICT/computing based issues.


How will students be assessed?

The course is split into a number of units:


Year 12 and 13 - A-level Level (All units externally assessed at the end of Year 13)

•    Unit 1 will be a written examination theory paper and will focus on computing principles - 40%

•    Unit 2 will be a written paper that will focus on algorithms and problem solving - 40%

•    Unit 3 will be coursework and will focus on developing a programming project - 20%


In addition to these externally assessed pieces of work, students will receive on-going assessment and feedback through project mark sheets for the coursework topics to feedback on their exam skills from written questions.


What other courses does it complement?

The course will complement a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, Technology/Engineering and Science.


Next steps - what this course can lead to

The course will allow you to access a wide range of further education courses at University including a degree in Computing which could lead to a career in Business Management, Engineering, Computer Games Programming, Graphic Design or Mathematics.


St Benedict’s,

Sixth Form