Computer Science A Level

This course is for students with an interest in how computers and computer systems work, how they are constructed and programmed. You'll need to have studied ICT or computing at GCSE to move on to onto it. You might be choosing computer science because you're headed for a computing career, though thinking computationally (logically, using reasoning, breaking complicated things down and being able to express instructions precisely) is a skill that can be used in a wide range of other careers too. To study Computer Science A level, you'll need a keen interest in computers and good technical, mathematical and problem solving skills. Computer Science particularly complements subjects such as Science and Maths.

Grade 6 in Computer Science at GCSE or

This course will elevate you from computer user to creator of programs and applications. You'll develop your understanding of how computers work. You'll learn software and programming skills and find out more about industry approaches to software development such as agile and waterfall methods. As an assessed component of the course, you'll apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding problem, working through the iterative development process, testing and evaluating your solution. You'll develop the skills of abstract and scientific thinking, problem solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning and understand some of the moral, ethical and legal implications of using digital technology.

You'll learn through a combination of practical hands on experience and theoretical classroom-based learning.

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course. There will be 2 written papers each of 2 hours 30 minutes duration. You will also complete a computing practical portfolio-based project that will make up 20% of your total A level.

Studying Computer Science is a good foundation for careers in software development, IT support, web development and games design as well as subjects such as electrical and electronics engineering. There are also apprenticeships and degree apprenticeship opportunities in digital and technology solutions.