Why choose A level computer science?
Computing requires and develops logical thinking, especially when analysing, designing and implementing the practical coursework projects. It is a rapidly developing area that influences all aspects of life.
Course type: A Level
Board: OCR
Entry requirements: GCSE grade 6 in computing and grade 5 in maths
| Unit | Content |
| Drawing and interpreting state transition diagrams and transition tables | Understand and create finite state machines using diagrams and tables to model system behaviour. |
| Programming in a high-level programming language | Write and debug code using structured programming concepts in a language such as Python or Java. |
| Binary number system | Convert between binary, decimal, and hexadecimal; perform binary arithmetic and understand binary logic. |
| Development stages of hardware/software systems | Learn the stages: requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. |
| Logic gates and Boolean algebra | Use logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.); simplify Boolean expressions; understand how digital circuits work. |
| Internal components of a computer and hardware devices | Identify and understand the function of CPU, RAM, storage, input/output devices, and buses. |
| Fundamentals of computer systems | Explore the distinctions between hardware/software; understand embedded systems and general-purpose computing. |
| Internet structure, networking protocols, and computing consequences | Understand how the internet works (IP, TCP, DNS); explore cybersecurity, ethical and social impacts of computing. |
| Problem solving and algorithmic complexity | Analyze and compare algorithm efficiency using Big-O notation; develop strategies for problem decomposition. |
| Algorithms and data structures for problem solving | Learn common algorithms (e.g., searching, sorting) and data structures (e.g., arrays, stacks, queues, trees). |
| Programming paradigms and object-oriented programming techniques | Compare paradigms (procedural, OOP, functional); apply OOP principles such as inheritance and encapsulation. |
| Role of an operating system and database design | Understand how OS manages memory, processes, files; design and query databases using SQL; normalization. |
| Analysis, design, construction, testing, training, and maintenance of a programmed solution. | Follow a complete software development lifecycle to create and maintain working software solutions. |
Assessment will be undertaken as follows:
Computer systems – 40% exam
Algorithms and programming – 40% exam
Programming project – 20% coursework
What doors does this open up for me?
In today’s workplace, those with knowledge and skills in computing have the opportunity to pursue new and exciting careers and to be instrumental in the conception of computer systems that increasingly shape many areas of our lives.
