Computer Science
Examination Board: OCR Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Cambridge Advanced National
The A Level in Computer Science will encourage learners to experience how computer science works, stimulating learners’ curiosity and encouraging them to engage with computer science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study or career choices.
Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learnt to real-life contexts, such as:
- Emphasis on problem solving using computers
- Emphasis on computer programming and algorithms
- Emphasis on the mathematical skills used to express computational laws and processes, e.g. Boolean algebra/logic and comparison of the complexity of algorithms
The qualification will also help students to develop their problem solving and analytical thinking knowledge. Student will develop an understanding of how to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
They will be able to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving problems including writing programs. Students will develop an overall understanding to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
The A Level in Computer Science is a linear qualification with 100% terminal external assessment.
This qualification consists of two examined components, externally assessed by OCR and one internally assessed and moderated non exam assessment component.
Both examinations are of 2 hours and 30 minutes duration, each with a 40% weighting. The non-exam assessment component weighted at 20%.
On completion of the course, students will have a wide variety of areas they can further study in such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Games Development
- Computing
- Creative Computing
- Web and Mobile Development
- Web and User Experience Design