Computer Science A Level

What is Computer Science?

Studying Computer Science teaches you how a computer works at a fundamental level.

Studying Computer Science teaches you how to develop complex computer programs.

Why study Subject Computer Science?

Computer systems are all pervasive in our modern society. Dealing with things like data privacy issues, misinformation, and the use of artificial intelligence requires a good understanding of computing technology. The curriculum in many STEM degrees include a coding element and higher-level research in many subjects benefit from the use of coded solutions. The problem-solving skills learned in Computer Science can be applied in many contexts in the real world.

A major part of the course is programming and this includes a non-examined assessment programming project. Unlike the GCSE, this counts as 20% of the final grade and students are encouraged to choose their own brief to deliver a usable real-world application. A range of programming languages can be chosen for the project and our staff draw on a wealth of industry experience to be able to support our students in this. During the course the students learn Java, SQL, Javascript, HTML and CSS languages, with full support for all levels of ability including those completely new to programming. With many schools opting out of offering Computer Science GCSE to their students, we are developing a full support programme to allow students of suitable ability who have not had the opportunity to study prior to A level to access our A level course; you do not have to have studied GCSE Computer Science to enrol in the A level course.

The academy has a suite of powerful workstation computers with a wide range of software, able to support a wide variety of app and application development and learning in such areas as operating system installation and server-side development.

Please click on the following link for this information.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/specification-at-a-glance/

The course comprises three components:

• H446/01 – Computer Systems (Written Exam: 40%)

• H446/02 – Algorithms and Programming (Written Exam: 40%)

• H446/03 –Programming Project (Non-Examined Assessment: 20%)

Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths. If Computer Science is studied at GCSE, a grade 5 or above in GCSE Computer Science with a grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths.

Universities and colleges in the UK are offering courses in the following subject areas:

computer science

information systems

software engineering

artificial intelligence

health informatics

Subject combinations and available course options include:

single, joint, and multiple subject combinations

full-time, part-time, and flexible study options, as well as courses with a placement (sandwich courses)

qualifications ranging from BA, BSc, BEng (hons), and MSci degrees, through to HND, HNC, and Foundation Certificates

A number of universities offer four-year undergraduate or integrated masters degrees (MSci) in computer science. Many also offer an opportunity to work in industry for a year or study abroad as part of the degree.

Examples of related careers include the following job titles:

computer games tester

e-learning developer

forensic computer analyst

information systems manager

IT project manager

IT service engineer

network manager

software developer

systems analyst

technical architect

technical author

web designer

web developer

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