Computer Science AS and A Level

Please make sure you have checked the entry requirements before submitting your application. Please also be aware that we use an Attainment 8 requirement for students choosing to do Science and Maths subjects. This is explained further on our website: https://www.taptonschool.co.uk/page/?title=Subjects&pid=69

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Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom ro real-world systems. It's an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the world through a digital prism.

The aims of this qualification are to enable leaners to develop:

• An understanding 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 programmes to do so.
• The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
• Mathematical skills.

You should be enthusiastic, open-minded and willing to learn new skills and techniques. You are inquisitive and enjoy Computer Programming from designing and creating Websites to creating Apps and Programs. You enjoy working as part of a group, but can work independently. You are determined and will work to ensure you succeed. You understand the need for resilience and always wanting to learn more by putting in the time and effort, coaching lower school students and getting involved in Computer Science Projects within the school.

Links with other subjects

Computer Science involves many transferable skills, not least problem solving, communicating ideas and concepts, developing creative ideas, refining and testing ideas and realising those ideas. In addition, an A Level in Computer Science ties in well with all the STEM subjects but can also be combined with Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities.

The OCR Specification has three components

The content of this AS Level in Computer Science and the first year of the course are divided into two components:

AS Level (H046/01/H046/02)

Computing Principles Component (01) 50% of marks (70) - contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.

Algorithms and Problem Solving Component (02) 50% of marks (70) - relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in the Computing principles component. This specification has been designed to be co teachable with the stand alone A Level in Computer Science.

Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of the two components and assessed in the written papers where appropriate. The quality of extended responses are assessed in the written papers where indicated by an asterisk.

The content of the A Level in Computer Science and the second year of the course is divided into three components:

A Level (H446/01/(H446/02/H446/03 or 04

Computer Systems Component (01) 40% of marks (140) - contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.

Algorithms and Programming Component (02) 40% of marks (140) - relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in Component 01.

Programming Project Component (03 or 04) 20% of marks (70) - is a practical portfolio based assessment with a task that is marked using levels of response style mark schemes and in the Evaluation section of the Programming project component.

Extension and Enrichment Opportunities

Our key enrichment activity is to connect our students with employers and industry, through work experience opportunities, talks, digital events, hackathons, trips and workshops. We are also keen for students to support learning in Lower School Computer Science Classes, help at Computing Clubs and taking part in any Computer Science events or projects.

Method of Assessment

Throughout the course students will take part in peer-group and self-assessment in order to familiarise themselves with the Assessment Objectives, and become more objective in their skills of critique.

Each half term students have a formal assessment, which is marked and then fed back on in the lesson.

Staff review work with students on a one-to-one basis regularly, giving support, feedback, and set targets for improvement and progression.

Students who take the AS exams at the end of the first year are externally assessed.

Students who take the end of year exam in June have 2 internally marked and moderated AS exams in Component 1 and Component 2. These are taken in full exam conditions, (see above)

All A level exams are externally assessed.

The A level coursework unit is marked by the teacher and marks are moderated by an assessor from OCR.

GCSE Grade 6 in Computer Science/Computing/Computer Studies and GCSE 6 in Maths.

For students from schools where Computer Science GCSE is not delivered, students may apply with a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and with a grade 6 in GCSE Physics, or where students completed Combined Science with a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and a Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science. Tapton students who did not take GCSE Computer Science may also apply with this entry requirement.

Tapton School's minimum entry requirements for all students: Grade 5 in English Language; Grade 4 in Mathematics and three other GCSEs at grade 4 and above.

As more and more companies and organisations undergo digital transformation, as automation and machine learning develop at an exponential rate the demand for tech workers continues to grow at a pace unmatched in other industries. An A Level in Computer Science gives students essential knowledge, problem solving skills and skills in demand across all sectors. Specific computer based roles that’s students can aim towards are Applications developer, Cyber security analyst, Data analyst, Database administrator, Forensic computer analyst, Game designer/developer, Information systems manager, IT consultant, Machine learning engineer, Multimedia programmer, Penetration tester, SEO specialist, Software engineer, Systems analyst, UX designer and IOT engineer and designer and let’s not forget research and development in universities and of course teaching.

Computer programming is quickly becoming an expected 21st century literacy, but coding is no longer limited to the realms of computer and information sciences. Technology can be used to solve problems across a range of fields.