Syllabus Title: A level Computer Science

H446 Examination Board: OCR

Assessment Outline:

A level			Topics
Component 1 1	40%	2hr 30 min written exam	Computer systems: Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in component 03. 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 algorithm   Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Component 2	40%	2hr 30 min written exam	Algorithms and programming: This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and problem-solving. It covers:  What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)  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	20%	Programming project	Students 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

Studying A level …..

Computer Science is a practical subject where you can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. You will develop computational thinking skills,problem solving skills, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. 

Entry Requirements:

To do A level Computer Science it is not essential to have done computer science at GCSE, though it is advisable to have done some programming in your own time. You need to have a grade 6+ in mathematics. There are several topics that require the ability to reason logically and apply mathematical and logical processes to solutions. It is likely that if you find mathematics enjoyable and interesting then you will also like computer science.

Future Career Options:

A good grade in Computer Science at A level is valued by universities and employers since it requires the development of analytical thinking and problem solving skills. This course also lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or related subjects in higher education. Many problems in the sciences, engineering, health care, business and other areas can be solved effectively with computers, but finding a solution requires both computer science expertise and knowledge of the particular application domain. Thus, computer scientists often become proficient in other subjects.