Computer Science

Overview

Computers are central to almost every aspect of modern life, yet most of us know remarkably little about how they work. Almost everyone can use computer software but how many can program their own?

Computer Science at A Level develops programming skills, hugely in demand in industry, as well as exploring some of the fundamental ideas that make these incredible machines work.

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is creative and encourages lateral thinking and innovation, offering students the opportunity to create their own extended programming project. OCR’s A Level in Computer Science values computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

For further information or to discuss in more detail, please contact:

Mr T Benson Head of Computer Science tbenson@kgs.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @KGS_STEAM

How is the course assessed?

The OCR Computer Science A Level covers a wide range of fascinating content, from ethical issues such as the impact of AI, to mathematical skills such as Boolean algebra. It is assessed by two exams, each two hours 30 mins and each worth 40%, and the NEA programming project worth 20%. The specification is divided in a similar way to GCSE with the first paper focusing on Computer Systems, and the second on Algorithms and Programming.

Computer Systems builds on many of the fundamental concepts covered at GCSE but offers the chance to explore them in much greater depth. We delve into the workings of systems as small as computer processors and as large as the internet – ideas which underpin the modern world. More mathematical concepts such as logic and data structures are also explored in greater depth, essential skills in a programmer’s toolkit.

Underpinning the entire course is computational thinking, the ability to solve problems using computers. The Algorithms and Programming unit is designed to get you thinking like a programmer, developing a range of techniques to break down problems and design efficient solutions.

The OCR course has a strong programming focus with is assessed both through examination and in coursework. The programming project offers a chance to apply your skills to a meatier problem but allows significant scope to develop something that interests you, rather than being constrained to a narrow problem.

Examination board

OCR

Useful attributes

While the OCR course is not especially maths heavy, computing demands a logical and analytical approach, so a degree of mathematical fluency is certainly helpful. A passion for programming is important, and most people choosing this course will probably have a reasonable level of coding experience. However, it is about learning and improving and we don’t expect you to be a professional-level developer from the outset! It is not all 1s and 0s either, with topics such as ethics demanding good communication skills to convey your arguments clearly.

Personal development

The aim of this course is to develop both practical, real-world programming skills whilst refining your logical thinking skills. Computer Science encourages you to look at everyday problems differently, to simplify and break down complex challenges into achievable chunks, to develop efficient and sometimes elegant solutions. These are hugely transferrable qualities, whether you end up pursuing a career in computing or not.

Future directions

The ability to create with technology is an amazingly powerful thing and can lead you to some fantastically rewarding degrees and career paths. Almost all STEM degree courses now include a programming element, underlining the importance of digital skills to industry. The Computer Science A Level is a technically demanding course and is recognised as such by universities, so it serves as an excellent basis for almost any technical degree.