Computer Science A Level

Course summary

OCR Computer Science A' Level looks in depth at electronic computation, from the ones and zeroes of machine code, to the inner workings of higher level programming languages. Students also examine modern issues surrounding computers, such as the ethical and environmental impact of social media, AI and the World Wide Web. The course is strongly grounded in theory, with 80% of the grade based on written exams. However, 20% of the grade is based on a student-led programming project, requiring students to tap into their creativity and initiative, to first devise and then develop a working application, using and testing their understanding of theory in a live, practical environment. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Grade 6 or above in Computer Science and Maths COURSE CONTENT Component 1: Computer systems (Exam) Characteristics of contemporary processors * Input, output and storage devices * Software and software development * Exchanging data * Data types, data structures and algorithms * Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues Component 2: Algorithms and Programming (Exam) * Elements of computational thinking * Problem solving and programming * Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms Component 3: Programming Project (non-Exam) * Analysis of the problem * Design of the solution * Developing the solution * Evaluation ASSESSMENT Year 13 Component 1: Written examination 2hrs 30mins - 40% Component 2: Written examination 2hrs 30mins - 40% Component 3: Programming Project, to suggest and define a 'problem', then build a working software solution based on stakeholder requirements and investigation of existing solutions - Coursework - 20%