The OCR Computer Science A-Level course is not just about learning to use tools or training in a programming language. Instead, the emphasis is on computational thinking. Thinking computationally means using decomposition and abstraction. This means focusing on the specific problem at hand; breaking it down into smaller parts and trying to understand the big ideas that underpin the the solution to the problem. • Programming is an essential skill for Computer Science and upon successful completion of this course, you can expect to be a competent programmer. • The syllabus taught places the emphasis on programming techniques, rather than a specific language. This will let you learn how to program in general, not just how to program in Java, C, Python, PHP, HTML, Prolog, Haskell or SQL (all of which are covered in this course). • No prior experience of programming is necessary, however, enthusiasm is mandatory! • Students will learn to discuss the efficiency of their solutions, including how to optimise an algorithm using sensible data structures and heuristic methods. • The computational thinking element is supported by an understanding of computer systems, including computer networks, with a particular focus on security issues.
To study A-Level courses, a student must secure five Grade 5s at GCSE (or vocational course Distinctions), including English and Maths. To study A-Level Computer Science, a student must achieve a Grade 7 in GCSE Maths OR have studied GCSE Computer Science/is proficient in coding.
Component 1 - Computer Systems (written exam worth 40% of course marks): Aims to provide students with a deeper knowledge of topics studied at GCSE level such as the 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. There is an emphasis on databases and web technologies. Component 2 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (written exam worth 40% of course marks): Aims to provide students with a deeper knowledge of topics studied at GCSE level such as algorithms. Students seek to apply the knowledge and understanding gained in component 1. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking; Problem solving and programming; Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms. Practical Programming project (NEA worth 20% of course marks): As part of the course, students must undertake an extensive programming project, working independently to solve a real-world problem. The project involves analysis of the problem at hand; design of the solution; developing the solution; testing and evaluating the solution. Students are expected to use a test-driven approach and work with a real client. This work takes place between June of Year 12 and February of Year 13.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Bracknell Forest |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Grant Road, Crowthorne, RG45 7HZ |
The OCR Computer Science A-Level course is not just about learning to use tools or training in a programming language. Instead, the emphasis is on computational thinking. Thinking computationally means using decomposition and abstraction. This means focusing on the specific problem at hand; breaking it down into smaller parts and trying to understand the big ideas that underpin the the solution to the problem. • Programming is an essential skill for Computer Science and upon successful completion of this course, you can expect to be a competent programmer. • The syllabus taught places the emphasis on programming techniques, rather than a specific language. This will let you learn how to program in general, not just how to program in Java, C, Python, PHP, HTML, Prolog, Haskell or SQL (all of which are covered in this course). • No prior experience of programming is necessary, however, enthusiasm is mandatory! • Students will learn to discuss the efficiency of their solutions, including how to optimise an algorithm using sensible data structures and heuristic methods. • The computational thinking element is supported by an understanding of computer systems, including computer networks, with a particular focus on security issues.
To study A-Level courses, a student must secure five Grade 5s at GCSE (or vocational course Distinctions), including English and Maths. To study A-Level Computer Science, a student must achieve a Grade 7 in GCSE Maths OR have studied GCSE Computer Science/is proficient in coding.
Component 1 - Computer Systems (written exam worth 40% of course marks): Aims to provide students with a deeper knowledge of topics studied at GCSE level such as the 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. There is an emphasis on databases and web technologies. Component 2 - Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (written exam worth 40% of course marks): Aims to provide students with a deeper knowledge of topics studied at GCSE level such as algorithms. Students seek to apply the knowledge and understanding gained in component 1. They develop skills and understanding in computational thinking; Problem solving and programming; Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms. Practical Programming project (NEA worth 20% of course marks): As part of the course, students must undertake an extensive programming project, working independently to solve a real-world problem. The project involves analysis of the problem at hand; design of the solution; developing the solution; testing and evaluating the solution. Students are expected to use a test-driven approach and work with a real client. This work takes place between June of Year 12 and February of Year 13.