A LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science

Computing and digital technologies are part of every aspect of our lives. The modern world and our society are being shaped by computers. More than ever, we need computer scientists to step up and make the world a better place. Computer science is, above all else, the science of solving problems. No single subject offers more of an opportunity to change the world. 

The OCR Computer Science A Level qualification allows students to understand core academic principles of computer science. Academic principles learned in the classroom are transferred into creating real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner. Our A Level will develop students’ technical understanding and ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking. 

In Lower Sixth, students will be introduced to the fundamental technical principles of computing, computational thinking and problem solving. 

In Upper Sixth, students will progress to study data exchange, software development, data types, legal and ethical issues. Students will also be able to build on their computational thinking and problem-solving introduced in Lower Sixth, to include algorithms, programming and thinking abstractly. 

 

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in Computer Science if studied at GCSE.

Topics Covered

Over the two year course, students will study the following:

• Components of a Computer
• Systems Software
• Software development
• Exchanging data
• Networks and web technologies
• Data types
• Data structures
• Boolean Algebra
• Legal, moral and ethical cultural issues
• Computational thinking
• Programming techniques
• Algorithms

Methods of Assessment

Lower Sixth 

Paper 1: 50% weighting 

Computing Principles, 1 hour 15 minutes 

Paper 2: 50% weighting 

Algorithms and Problem Solving, 1 hour 15 minutes 

Upper Sixth 

Paper 1: 40% weighting 

Computer Systems, 2 hours 30 minutes 

Paper 2: 40% weighting 

Algorithms and Programming, 2 hour 30 minutes 

Programming Project: 20% weighting 

Internally assessed, externally moderated. 

Enrichment Opportunities

• The department run the Bebras competition and students who do well in that qualify for the Oxford University Computing Challenge.
• Students also take part in the Southampton University Student Robotics competition
• Lower Sixth students help run Coding Club.

Meet the staff

If you have a specific enquiry for the Computer Science Department, email computer.science@kes.hants.sch.uk 

Mr. D. Cutler
MPhys
Head of Computer Science and Digital Literacy
Teacher Year 7-Year 11 and Sixth Form
Mr. L.J. Hall
BEng
Teacher Year 7-Year 10
Mr. O.J. Rokinson
MEng
Assistant Head (Digital Strategy)
Teacher Sixth Form and Year 8
Mr. M.P. Willis
BSc
Teacher Year 7, Mathematics