Computer Science

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM WEALD OF KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Students can join Weald of Kent Grammar School at our Tonbridge Campus.

Applications Open: - 15 November 2023

Applications Close: - 15 January 2024

Entry Requirements: - If you wish to join the Weald of Kent Sixth Form you must have a minimum of a Grade 5 in English Language or English Literature and a Grade 5 in Mathematics. In addition, students also need to achieve an Average Point Score (APS) of 5.5 to be comprised of their best 8 GCSE results.

How to Apply: - Applications are made through Applicaa. Please see the school website for more information: https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk/sixth-form/application

Open Event: - Our Sixth Form Open Evening is 14 November 2023.

A Computer Science A Level prepares students for the jobs and careers of the future and for jobs that do not even exist yet. New technologies are being invented and developed all the time and the work place in ten years is likely to be very different to today. The course gives students the computer science knowledge and computational skills that will allow them to solve problems that we do not even know are problems yet. . A Computer Science A Level is valued by universities and employers and gives students an appropriate foundation for further study in many areas. Technology is being used to solve problems across various industries such as health care, engineering, transportation and banking, but finding solutions to these problems requires people with computer science expertise as well as knowledge of the given industry.

The A Level Computer Science specification covers 2 written papers and 1 Non-examination Assessment (coursework).

Paper 1

This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions on Computer Systems.

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A-level)

Content of examination: Written examination, compulsory short-answer and extended answer questions.

Paper 2

This paper tests a student's ability to answer questions on Algorithms and programming

Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of A-level)

Content of examination: Written examination, compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions.

Non-examination Assessment

The non-examination assessment (NEA) is worth 20% of the overall grade. The NEA assesses a student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Each learner is able to tailor the project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving.

A Level Computer Science students should have achieved a Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science.

Computer Science A Level is valued by universities and employers and gives students an appropriate foundation for further study in many areas. Technology is being used to solve problems across various industries such as health care, engineering, transportation and banking, but finding solutions to these problems requires people with computer science expertise as well as knowledge of the given industry.