Computer Science A Level

Computer Science is extremely ‘hands’ on with the aim of encouraging learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, practical and worthwhile course. It will provide an insight into, and experience of, computational thinking. This will stimulate learners’ curiosity and encourage them to engage in problem-solving using computers, emphasising computer programming and algorithms.

Paper 1 contains most of the theoretical content of the qualification and is assessed by written knowledge recall and understanding. This unit builds on the learning from GCSE Computing but candidates with little or no Computing background are also welcome and have been successful in previous years.

Paper 2 builds on the knowledge gained in Unit 1 and adds the understanding of computation methods and their place in problem solving. The Unit also includes programming theory such as class structures and Algorithm Complexity. This paper includes a lot of pseudocode questions.

The programming project requires learners to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a high level programming language e.g. python, C, Java, Visual Basic. Learners are expected to apply principles from an agile development approach to project development.

Component 1 (Paper 1) - 40% of final grade – written paper covering computer system technologies, databases and data structures and legal/moral/ethical issues connected to the use of computers.

Component 2 (Paper 2) - 40% of final grade – written paper covering algorithms and the programming elements of computational thinking.

Component 3 (Paper 3) - 20% of final grade – programming project.

GCSE Grade 5 in Mathematics and 5 in Computing if taken

This course aims to develop the ability to:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles of computer science e.g. abstraction, decomposition, logic algorithmic and data representation.

• Think creatively and analytically.

• Be innovative and articulate ideas and developments in digital technology.

This course can lead to further and higher level study in many areas including: Computer Science, Computer Forensics and Games Design and Programming.