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Computer Science

Lead: Ms Tisson
Email: mtisson2.310@parkhighstanmore.org.uk
Subject overview

Computer Science is a linear qualification with 100% external assessment. It is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. There is a great emphasis on mathematical skills used to solve problems.

The two examined components are: ‘Computing principles’, and ‘Algorithms and programming’.

For the ‘Computing principles’ component, students will learn about the following topics: the characteristics of contemporary processors; input, output, and storage devices; software and software development; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues.

For the ‘Algorithms and programming’ component, students will: understand what is meant by computational thinking; understand the benefits of applying computational thinking to solving problems and be able to use algorithms to describe problems.

For their programming project, students will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance of the specification. This requires them to analyse, design, develop and evaluate a solution.

“Computer science is different and interesting, teachers provide great support, that allows me to achieve my goals. I have gained skills such as thinking logically, how to write code and working independently on tasks.” – Student

Exam Board: OCR

Course Specification: H046

Qualification obtained: OCR A Level in Computer Science

Entry requirements:

Students must achieve at least six 9-4 grades including English Language and Mathematics at GCSE.

Grade 6 in Computer Science or 6 in Mathematics

What you will study

Year 12

Topics covered:

Component 1:

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output, and storage devices
  • Software and software development
  • Exchanging data
  • Data types
  • Data structures
  • Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues

Component 2:

  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Problem solving and programming
  • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Year 13

Topics covered:

Component 1:

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  •  Software and software development
  • Exchanging data
  • Data types,
  • Data structures
  • Algorithms
  • Legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues

Component 2:

  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Problem solving and programming
  • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Component 3:

  • Programmed Solution to a Problem - Candidates discuss, investigate, design, prototype, refine and implement, test and evaluate a computerised solution to a problem chosen by the candidate which must be solved using original code

Assessment

Assessment percentage:

80% Exam

20% Coursework

Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Weight
01 Computer Systems Written examination in Year 13: 140- mark paper, 2hr 30min 40%
02 Algorithms and Programming Written examination end of Year 13: 140-mark paper, 2hr 30min 40%
03 Programming Project Non-exam assessment: 70 marks 20%

 

Progression routes

This can lead to degree level courses with possibilities including Computer Science, Multimedia, Web Design, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Business Systems and Electronics.

Additional Information

Course specific equipment:

  • One folder
  • Dividers
  • Notebook
  • USB
  • OCR AS and A Level Computer Science from PG online

Essential Reading Material:

OCR A Level Computer Science 9781910523-05-6

Essential algorithms for A Level

Computer Science Paperback 9781794359420

Essential Maths Skills for AS/A Level Computer Science 9781471863578

Recommended resources:

http://craigndave.org/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/computing/

http://interactivepython.org/runestone/static/pythonds/index.html#

Enrichment:

Talks