A Level Computer Science

Although they are invisible and intangible, software systems are amongst the largest and most complex artefacts ever created by human beings…
Computing at School Working Group
March 2012

Information

Our Computer Science department aims to develop the knowledge and skills required for students to play an active role in the digital world that surrounds them. Developing a firm grasp of computing concepts will help them get the best from the systems they use, solve problems when they go wrong and create new systems when they are required.  

We believe all students will find the combination of computational thinking, computing principles and computational approach to problem-solving empowering. Focusing this combination of academic and practical skills on a problem will help bring success in all curriculum subjects and the CAST challenge projects. 

 There can sometimes be confusion about the differences between ICT and Computing. Computer Science refers to the processes used to create computer programs/systems and applications, combined with the theory behind those processes. On the other hand, information technology refers to the application of computer programs and tools to solve problems. 

Computing in industry is essentially a practical subject that applies theory to design and develop products for clients. With this in mind, we have expanded our curriculum to reflect modern business practice.  Most learning is delivered through projects, which involve project management, teamwork, report writing and the use of industry-standard tools. 

Course content

We follow the EDUCAS A Level Specification. The course aims to develop students who can: apply theoretical knowledge to practical tasks; design and produce high-quality programs; be aware of their contribution to society; and understand how the course material relates to industry practices.     

Scheme of learning

Component 1: Programming and System Development – 40% of the course. 

This component investigates programs, data structures, algorithms, logic, programming methodologies and the impact of computer science on society.  

Component 2: Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications – 40% of the course. 

This component investigates computer architecture, communication, data representation, organisation and structure of data, programs, algorithms and software applications.  

Component 3: Programmed Solution to a Problem (NEA) – 20% of the course (72 hours of class time) 

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 (programming). This is a substantial piece of work, undertaken over an extended period. 

As the focus for these subjects has a large practical aspect, we ensure all students are taught the fundamentals of project management, including time management and scheduling. We also teach some aspects of the course through NEA-formatted projects, using the mark scheme for assessment purposes. 

Year 12

Autumn Term 

Machine architecture
Number representation

Logical Operations and De Morgan’s Law

Language standards and introduction to Object-Oriented (OOP) programming using C#

Introduction systems analysis and database design

Spring Term

Database design, development and SQL

Big Data

OOP programming in C#, data structures and recursion

Systems analysis

Flight booking system project; using the students coding and database skills and knowledge

Summer Term

Systems design

Ethics

Start NEA

Year 13

Autumn Term

The operating system

Organisation of data

Hardware

Data transmission

Continue NEA

Spring Term

Complete NEA

Software Systems

Data security

Spring Term 2/Summer Term: Revision

Assessment

Paper 1: 2 hours 30 minutes – on a computer – 40% of A Level

Paper 2: 2 hours 30 minutes – written – 40% of A Level

Non-exam assessment: 50 class hours plus an estimated 50 hours independent study – 20% of A Level 

The non-exam assessment assesses students' ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving

Sixth Form