Computer Science A Level

TO MAKE AN APPLICATION TO MERCIA SCHOOL PLEASE APPLY VIA THE MERCIA WEBSITE https://www.merciaschool.com

The deadline date for applications is 31st December 2022 (more information is available on Mercia School website)

Computer Science is not just using computers; it is the study of computational thinking and systems.

It is a new subject transformed over the last 30 years and is different from ICT. ICT focuses on using software, whilst Computer Science studies the design and implementation of software and hardware – a bit like the difference between knowing how to drive and knowing how to design and engineer a new car.

Almost every aspect of modern life requires computers: from embedded systems in fridges and cars to interpreting vast datasets at the Large Hadron Collider.

According to The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), Computer Science is the fastest growing subject chosen at A Level and University. Pupils entering degree courses are renowned for their problem solving and reasoning skills, honed through a rigorous and academic course at A Level.

Studying Computer Science provides a gateway to a wide range of higher education courses and degree apprenticeships in an ever-increasing number of fields, including software development, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Scholars will learn to become an effective designer and implementer of computing solutions, learning to program in several languages including Python, Java and SQL. A Level Computer Science will also allow scholars to hone their analytical skills, extending logical reasoning developed in mathematical courses at GCSE level.

Exam Board: OCR

The course contains three components: computer systems, algorithms and programming, and a programming project. Component 1: Computer systems (40%). Scholars are introduced to the internal workings of the central processing unit, data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.

The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in the programming project. Assessment is by a 2 hours 30 minutes written examination at the end of the course. It covers: • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software • Data exchange between different systems • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. Component 2: Algorithms and programming (40%). This builds on knowledge of computer systems to include computational thinking and problem-solving.

Assessment is by a 2 hours 30 minutes written examination at the end of the course.

It covers: • What is meant by computational thinking (including thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking and procedurally) • Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems • Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems. Component 3: Programming project (20%). Scholars are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language of your choice. The recommended course language is Python, but scholars are free to work with any high-level programming language they are familiar with. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the scholar and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.

At least a grade 8 in GCSE Mathematics

Computer Science is well paired with A Level Mathematics. Scholars are reminded that if they want to apply to study Computer Science beyond A Level, it is essential to have studied A Level Mathematics. In addition, it is often complimented by courses in physics, further mathematics, economics, and psychology.