Examining Body: OCR Specification A

Entry Criteria

A 6 in GCSE Computer Science

A 6 in GCSE Maths is required if you are not currently studying GCSE Computer Science

GCSE Computer Science is not required but an aptitude test may be required if you are not currently studying GCSE computer science.

Content Summary

The A Level course is split into two different units over two academic years. The first two units are examined and are worth 40% each, whilst the third unit is a programming project worth 20%.

The units will include:

• Computer Systems
  • The Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle and its effects on different registers
  • How different input, output and storage devices can be applied to the solution of different problems
  • Network security and threats, use of firewalls, proxies and encryption
• Algorithms and Programming
  • Writing and following complex algorithms
  • Use of an IDE to develop/debug a programme
  • Modularity, functions and procedures, parameter passing by value and by reference
• Programming Project: Candidates select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve.
  • Problem identification
  • Designing a solution
  • Iterative development process
  • Testing to inform development
  • Evaluating the success of the solution

The qualification, above all else, will be relevant to the modern and changing world of technology. There will be a focus on programming and an emphasise on the importance of computational thinking as a discipline. With computational thinking at its core, the course will help students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand machine intelligence.

The course will also enable students the opportunity to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.

What Can I Expect In Lessons?

Computer Science is delivered by two experienced practitioners who both specialise in different areas of computing. Expect lessons to be engaging and involve an extensive amount of problem solving activities.