Course information
Computer Studies / Computing
Kingston Grammar School - Kingston upon Thames
02085465875
London Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6PY
Course summary

Computers are central to almost every aspect of modern life, yet most of us know remarkably little about how they work. Almost everyone can use computer software but how many can program their own? Computer Science at A Level develops programming skills, hugely in demand in industry, as well as exploring some of the fundamental ideas that make these incredible machines work. Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is creative and encourages lateral thinking and innovation, offering students the opportunity to create their own extended programming projects. OCR's A Level in Computer Science values computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

Entry requirements

As a minimum, students must achieve at least grade 7 (equivalent to A grade) in four separate subjects. In addition, all students must achieve a minimum grade of 6 (equivalent to a high B grade) in Mathematics and English GCSE or IGCSE. Please also note that a minimum of grade 7 is required in those subjects, or closely related subjects, that students wish to study for A Level with the exception of Mathematics where students will require a minimum grade 8 at GCSE and Further Mathematics where students will require a minimum grade 9 at GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

The OCR Computer Science A Level covers a wide range of fascinating content, from ethical issues such as the impact of AI to mathematical skills such as Boolean algebra. It is assessed by two exams, each two hours 30 minutes and each worth 40%, and the NEA programming project worth 20%. The specification is divided in a similar way to GCSE with the first paper focusing on Computer Systems, and the second on Algorithms and Programming Computer Systems build on many of the fundamental concepts covered at GCSE but offer the chance to explore them in much greater depth We delve into the workings of systems as small as computer processors and as large as the internet - ideas which underpin the modern world. More mathematical concepts such as logic and data structures are also explored in greater depth, essential skills in a programmer's toolkit. Underpinning the entire course is computational thinking, the ability to solve problems using computers. The Algorithms and Programming unit is designed to get you thinking like a programmer, developing a range of techniques to break down problems and design efficient solutions. The OCR course has a strong programming focus which is assessed both through examination and in coursework. The programming project offers a chance to apply your skills to a meatier problem but allows significant scope to develop something that interests you, rather than being constrained to a narrow problem.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthorityKingston upon Thames
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£23,460
AddressLondon Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6PY