Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.
In year 12, we will take previous knowledge and understanding and develop it further. We look in more depth at how the processor works and executes instructions and look at the purposes of logic gates and how they are used in the real world. You will be working on using binary numbers that are not only positive but also the representation of negative numbers. As part of data representation, we look at how the computer stores floating point numbers that we use in everyday life. We spend time learning the laws that apply to Computer Science and the ethical implications of driverless cars. We will discuss the basics of networking and the protocols that govern the internet and networks in general.
Alongside this, we also continue to develop your ability to use a functional programming language such as Python although you can use other languages. You will learn about common sort and search algorithms that exist to solve problems. We look at more advanced variables called data structures including queues and stacks and we will learn the importance of testing and different types of testing systems. You should be able to write a simple computer game such as snake or connect 4 by the end of year 12.
In year 13, you will start your project. There is a wide range of choices and you are not confined to just what your teacher advises. Past students have written arcade-style computer games in an object-orientated language. They produced an analysis and design before coding and testing; students have had a great deal of fun doing this.
In terms of theory, we build upon what has been learnt in year 12. We look at how binary shifts work and how computers add together floating point numbers. We spend time learning about how computer scientists try out simple logic circuits in order to make them more efficient and we develop our ability to solve more complex problems using pseudocode.
As part of another unit we look at some more common but more complex algorithms such as quick sort and merge sort. We look at how we represent these in terms of mathematical expressions. We continue to develop your programming capabilities both in terms of your functional programming and also your object-oriented programming capability.
By the end of year 13, you should be able to write your own arcade game as well as solve many real-life problems with the programming skills you have developed. You will be ready to go to university or go into a career in IT.
The A Level consists of three components, two of which will be externally marked question papers making up 80% of the qualification.
Computer systems (01) - 40% of total A Level, written paper
Algorithms and programming (02) - 40% of total A Level, written paper
Programming project (03 or 04) - 20% of total A Level, coursework.
601/4911/5
Mr P Robson
OCR
Students are expected to have 5 Grade 5 GCSEs including:
Grade 4 English Language
Grade 6 Maths (a Grade 5 may be accepted if you achieved a Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science)
Grade 6 in Computer Science
A Level Computer Science is very highly regarded by many Universities. It is part of the Russell Group’s informed choices document for a range of degrees. This course will help you to move on to degree level in many fields including Aeronautical Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Biometrics, Science, Medicine, Mathematics and Engineering courses.
You could also pursue an apprenticeship in software engineering or anything inside the IT sector.