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Computer Science
About the course:
“At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking: a mode of thought that goes well
beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason
about systems and problems.” (CAS-Computer Science a Curriculum for Schools)
Computer Science will encourage you to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study. It will provide insight into, and experience of how computer science works, stimulating your curiosity and encouraging you to engage with computer science in your everyday life as well as to make informed choices about further study or future career choices.
You will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The approach used to help you deliver your final project is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace.
What does this qualification cover?
The following topics are covered:
Unit 1
- 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
Unit 2
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
How will it be assessed:
You are assessed by sitting 2 x 150 minute external exams, each worth 40% of your final grade.
You are also required to produce a programming project of your choice which meets the A-Level standard for complexity. The final project is worth 20% of the final grade.
What is expected of you:
To create an environment which helps you to have the best chance of success we expect
all learners to:
- Attend regularly and be punctual
- Behave responsibly and safely at all times
- Contribute to creating a pleasant learning environment
- Abide by the Computer Use Policy
- Meet set deadlines for work
What it prepares you for:
Computer Science is a practical subject where students 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.
The aims of this qualification are to enable you to develop:
- An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
- The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so.
- The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
- The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
- Mathematical skills.
- The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
This A-Level qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many Computing/ICT-related courses if taken alongside other qualifications, as part of a two-year programme of learning.
Entry Requirements:
• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (incl. English & Mathematics)
• Grade 4 or above in GCSE Computer Science
Qualification details:
(OCR) A Level GCE Computer Science - 601/4911/5
For more information:
If you are an internal applicant, please talk to your computer science teacher about the possibility of studying computer science in the sixth form. Or you may choose to talk to Mr Mckune (Subject Lead:Computer Science)
If you are an external applicant and would like more details about this course please email sixthform@mosslands.wirral.sch.uk