Brigg Sixth Form @ SJN

Educating you for individual success

Brigg Sixth Form @ SJN

Computer Science

Computer Science A Level

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems.

It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

OCR's A Level in Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

What Will I Learn On This Course?

Computer systems (Component 01)

Topic list:

This component will introduce learners to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. It is expected that learners will draw on this underpinning content when studying computational thinking, developing programming techniques and devising their own programming approach in the Programming project component.

Learners will be expected to apply the criteria below in different contexts including current and future uses of the technologies.

Assessment

Computer systems (01)

  • 140 marks
  • 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper
  • 40% of total A Level

Algorithms and programming (Component 02)

Topic list:

This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer systems component (01).

In addition, learners should:

  • Understand what is meant by computational thinking
  • Understand the benefits of applying computational thinking to solving a wide variety of problems
  • Understand the principles of solving problems by computational methods
  • Be able to use algorithms to describe problems
  • Be able to analyse a problem by identifying its component parts


Assessment

Algorithms and programming (02*)

  • 140 marks
  • 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper
  • 40% of total A Level

Non-exam assessment Programming project (Component 03 or 04)

Topic list:

Learners will be expected to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The underlying approach to the project is to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding problem.

Learners are expected to apply appropriate principles from an agile development approach to the project development.

While the project assessment criteria are organised into specific categories, it is anticipated the final report will document the agile development process and elements for each of the assessment categories will appear throughout the report.

Assessment

Programming project (03* or 04**)

  • 70 marks
  • Non-exam assessment – centre marked and moderated by OCR
  • 20% of total A Level

Where Will An A Level In Computer Science Lead Me?

Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of 'post-school' life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace.

Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.

"Computing is one of those fields where it is almost impossible to predict what will happen next. This is why we cannot even begin to imagine all the ways that you can make a contribution to it and it can make your life's work exciting and real."


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