Advances in computing are transforming the way the world works. The new Computer
Science A level course is an up to date, rigorous qualification that focuses on the knowledge, understanding and skills students need to progress to higher education or thrive in the workplace.

We are following the new OCR Computer Science specification. The 2 year A level course has a linear structure. The course comprises of 2 written papers that are each worth 40% of the total qualification and a programming project that accounts for the remaining 20% of the total qualification.

Please refer to our Sixth Form prospectus for entry requirements.

Examined in Paper 1 Computer Systems: The characteristics of contemporary processes, input, output and storage devices; Software and software development; Exchanging data; Data types, data structure and Algorithms; Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. Examined in Paper 2 Algorithms and Programming: Elements of computational thinking; Problems solving and programming; Algorithms. Non-exam assessment Programming Project: The programming project will be submitted in the form of a report that will contain the solution to a problem, selected by the learner centre, written in a suitable programming language. It will demonstrate a systematic approach to problem solving. The report will be marked internally by the centre and sent to OCR for moderation.

To be successful in Computer Science you need to have a keen interest in software development. This might entail learning a programming language on your own, or developing applications for smart phones or computers. There are national coding competitions run regularly that you may take part in, as well as the chance to work with the IT department to develop solutions for the school.

The course is a solid base for students wishing to study Computer Science at university or those interested in moving into software development as a career. Computer Science is a very competitive course in Higher Education with many institutions requiring AAA at A level. It is also a gateway course for many science and technology based careers.