Computer Science (A Level)

A level Computer Science is an ideal course for students with strong logical thinking skills who enjoy problem solving and have an interest in computing.

What you will learn

The A-level Computing course focuses on software development skills i.e. programming. However, we study a variety of other topics including how data is stored, networking and internal computer architecture.

How you will learn

Computer Science at Heathfield Community College is taught using a mixture of traditional classroom teaching and flipped learning. You will also be given practical experience of programming and problem solving.

Year 1

Topics

• Fundamentals of programming
• Fundamentals of data structures
• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Fundamentals of computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
• Fundamentals of functional programming

Year 2

Topics

• Theory of computation
• Consequences of uses of computing
• Big Data
• Systematic approach to problem solving
• NEA (Coursework)

Assessment 1: Paper 1, on screen examination, 2 1/2 hours in length, 40% of final grade.

The focus of this unit is to develop you as an effective problem solver and programmer of computer based solutions to problems. The paper will be a two and a half hour practical examination undertaken on a computer.

Preparation for this exam will be around practical activities writing and developing computer programs in Python in order to solve a variety of problems.

Assessment 2: Paper 2, written examination, 2 1/2 hours. 40% of final grade.

The focus for this unit is to develop your understanding of computing theory in a variety of areas including data storage, computer architecture, functional programming and networking. This paper will be a two and a half hour paper based examination.

Assessment 3: Non-examined assessment, coursework. 20% of final grade.

This is your opportunity to design, develop and test a system of your own. You have the freedom to build almost anything from apps to games, interactive websites to network tools. The choice is yours! This unit is an assessed piece of coursework.

College minimum entry requirements plus:

• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics

Where next?

If you wish to pursue computing at University then you would probably go on to study Computer Science BSc. Such degrees often demand an A level in mathematics too. However, having studied computing would help you with any science or engineering degree.

In terms of career opportunities the options are plentiful. There are numerous apprenticeships being offered in ICT and there is still an acknowledged skills gap (less people than jobs) in the computing sector.

Course Combinations

Computing goes particularly well with Maths, Further Maths and Physics.