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Computer Science A Level

Course Details

 Board:  OCR

 Course Title:  Computer Science

 Course Specification Code:  H446

 Course Entry Requirements:  Grade 6 in Computer Science and 6 in Maths 

 Content

Component 1: Computer systems (Exam)
Characteristics of contemporary processors 

  • Input, output and storage devices 
  • Software and software development 
  • Exchanging data  Data types, data structures and algorithms 
  • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

Component 2: Algorithms and Programming (Exam)

  • Elements of computational thinking 
  • Problem solving and programming 
  • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Component 3: Programming Project (non-Exam)

  • Analysis of the problem 
  • Design of the solution 
  • Developing the solution  Evaluation

Assessment - Year 13

Component 1 - Written examination 2hrs 30mins - 40%

Component 2 - Written examination 2hrs 30mins - 40%

Component 3:  Programming Project, to suggest and define a “problem”, then build a working software solution based on stakeholder requirements and investigation of existing solutions – Coursework - 20

 

Higher Education & Careers

Application beyond school: Studying Computer Science will equip you with technical and transferrable skills which are highly regarded by universities and employers; skills such as the ability to apply logic creatively and to solve problems methodically. The ability to write computer programs is a valuable skill, not just if you are looking to undertake a degree in Computer Science, but also in subjects like Physics, Computational Chemistry, and Engineering, all of which comprise elements of scientific programming. The understanding candidates build of software development cycles and project management also makes Computer Science highly desirable to employers in all sectors, often with a fast track to positions of responsibility or leadership

Why Computer Science at St Paul’s?

OCR Computer Science A Level looks in depth at electronic computation, from the ones and zeroes of machine code, to the inner workings of higher level programming languages. Students also examine modern issues surrounding computers, such as the ethical and environmental impact of social media, AI, and the World Wide Web. The course is strongly grounded in theory, with 80% of the grade based on written exams. However, 20% of the grade is based on a student-led programming project, requiring students to tap into their creativity and initiative, to first devise and then develop a working application, using and testing their understanding of theory in a live, practical environment.

Contact:

 Name:  Mr O Barker - Teacher of Computer Science
Ms H Qaisar - Teacher of Computer Science Telephone:

Telephone:  01932 783811