A Level Computer Science is a subject that combines practical programming skills, with the academic understanding of Computing Systems and Computational Thinking.

Students sit 2 papers, each 2 hours 30 minutes in length, and worth 40% of the course each. The remaining 20% is made up of a Practical Programming Project.

Component 01: Computer Systems (140 marks)

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 algorithms

• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.

 

Component 02: Algorithms and Programming (140 marks) 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 03: Programming Project (70 marks)

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. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.

 

How will this course help me in the future? 

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in this area is on the rise. A Level Computer Science can pave the way for admission into university-level Computer Science courses and open doors to numerous job opportunities in related industries. This qualification equips students with the essential skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.