Computer science

Why study Computer Science?

The only constant in computer science is change – new devices and apps appear daily. Connected devices becoming more and more prevalent – your washing machine, your heating, your car, your glasses… A good programmer will never be out of a job! We’ll challenge you to think computationally and to approach problems methodically. You’ll program and design systems using an algorithmic approach and develop an understanding of the powers and limitations of humans and machines by learning their principles of operation.
 
Students progress to Russell Group universities or take up apprenticeships with leading companies to become programmers, engineers, big data analysts, computer game designers or specialists in the telecommunications industry.
 
You’ll use gadgets such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi and Lego Mindstorm, and possibly even get to build your own 8-bit computer out of logic gates. There will also be opportunities to attend coding workshops and university taster days. Students are encouraged to run hackathons, lead masterclasses and set up study groups to share their expertise and knowledge.

Course overview 

The content of the A level is similar to the 1st year of most university computer science degrees. You will cover fundamentals of programming, data structures, algorithms, data representation, computer systems, organisation and architecture, ethics, communication and networking, web technologies, databases and SQL, and assembly code. It's ok if you are not sure what these terms mean - it will become second nature to you as you progress through the course. It is essentially about how to get the computer to do what you ask it to do, and how to solve problems. The subject will involve 2 x 2.5 hour written exams each comprising 40% of the A level. The final 20% of the A level is coursework focussing on a topic of your own choosing. You will be required to produce a software solution to solve a client’s problem whilst documenting the process through an analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation. The result is a unique, creative project and a write-up of roughly 120-200 pages.

How is the course assessed? 

Written exam – Paper 1 – Computer Systems – 2hrs 30mins – 40% 

• The characteristics of contemporary processors
• Software and software development
• Data types and data structures
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

Written exam – Paper 2 – Algorithms and Programming – 2hrs 30mins – 40%

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

Independent Coursework Project – 20% 

• Solve a practical problem by developing software
• Accurately document: definition, design, and development of software

What will I do in lessons?

Lessons will be a mix of theoretical learning and practical application through Python programming. Lesson tasks will include plenty of group and project work with the opportunity to demonstrate both your technical and communications skills.

What Independent study will be expected?

Independent work is estimated to take up to 5hrs a week. This will mostly entail completion of written homework activities to consolidate learning but also includes the time that you should be spending on your NEA during your second year. 

Exam Board

OCR

Link to specification

GCSE entry requirements

• 7 in Mathematics required
• 5 in English Language required
• 7 in Computer Science required (if taken at GCSE)
• 6 in any science subject required if Computer Science not taken at GCSE

What A Levels go well with this one?

Traditionally computer science combines well with mathematics, further mathematics and physics. Some students also choose to pair with economics, biology or chemistry. 

What can I do beyond A Levels with this subject?

Many students obviously go on to study computer science at degree level but many also choose related courses such as software engineering or games design. A number of students also go on to study in the wider STEM fields such as physics or mechanical engineering. Some may seek apprenticeships or go straight into the workplace.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have taken the GCSE?

No but you should understand that you will have more to learn than someone who did. It isn't mandatory to have previous experience coding, or to do GCSE computer science as we start from the very basics. It will be extremely important to complete your summer work and practice the basics of programming in order to make good progress in September.

How much mathematics is involved in the subject?

There is not much math required as part of the A level. Binary multiplication, some number theory, a grasp of simple mathematics.

So, a valid question may be: why are we asking for a 7 at GCSE Mathematics? The reason is that there is evidence of a direct correlation between your performance in mathematics and your performance in computer science, likely to correspond to strong skills in logical reasoning.

Which language do you code in?

We will mostly demonstrate practical ideas through Python. The written exams that students sit are designed to be language agnostic and are written using OCR’s Exam Language which is halfway between a real language and pseudocode. 

The independent project can be created using a number of different languages including all C family languages and Java. If students are already familiar with such languages, they are more than welcome to use them but they will not be explicitly taught in class.

In addition to this, students will learn SQL and the basics of assembly language using the LMC assembly instruction set.

I want to study computer science at university – is it important to take the A level?

It might surprise you to learn that computer science A level is not a prerequisite for most computer science degree courses. It is a perfectly valid path to take science and maths A levels and apply for a computer science degree.
With that said, the A level gives a solid grounding in computer science and will definitely make your first year of university far more manageable if you do go on to study the subject further.

There is also the added benefit of transferable skills such as problem solving and the ability to use code to do so. Such skills will be exceptionally useful in any future learning or career but definitely for any student intending to study a STEM based subject. The ability to see the big picture, to break down complex structures into simple parts and then combine those pieces to form the complex whole is essential in all walks of life.