Computer Science is, above all else, relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. This is a practical course, where students can apply academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems.
The OCR course enables us to tailor the qualification to meet the needs of our students at KTS. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The A Level in Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.
Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.
Courses Offered
OCR A level Computer Science
Syllabus Breakdown
The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:
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An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, computational logic, algorithms and data representation.
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The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so.
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The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
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The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
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Mathematical skills, due to an expanded maths focus, much of which will be embedded within the course.
Units of study
Component 1 – Computer Systems
- The 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
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Component 3 - Programming Project
The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.
- Analysis of the problem
- Design of the solution
- Developing the solution
- Evaluation
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Logical Thinking #2 Programming Language #3 Operations #4 Systems
#5 Data #6 Online Security #7 Digital Artefacts #8 Analysing Data
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Curriculum Overview
Please click here for a PDF overview for Year 12 and 13.
Minimum Entry Requirements
In addition to our general Sixth Form entry requirements of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, students will need to achieve a grade 5 at GCSE Computer Science, if studied.
Why Study Computer Science?
The A Level in Computer Science is an inspiring, motivational and challenging course. Students follow a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.
It provides insight into, and experience of 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 options.
Apart from theory behind the Computer Science Course, students will also have the opportunity to do ‘practical’ networking labs after completing an online Cisco Packet Tracer course.
Wider Opportunities
Studying university courses in Computer-related subjects can lead to careers such as programming; system analysis; data analysis; web design and graphics design.
Course Content:
The A Level in Computer Science is a linear qualification with 100% external assessment.
This qualification consists of two examined components (01 and 02), externally assessed by OCR and one internally assessed and moderated non-exam assessment component (03).
Both examinations are of 2 hours and 30 minutes duration, each with a 40% weighting. The non-exam assessment component weighted at 20%.
What Can I Do Next?
With a Computer Science A Level, you can move on to various degree courses such as Computer Science; Cyber Security & Computer Forensics; Information Systems; Software Engineering and Information Management.
