Computer Science

A Level Computer Science H446

 

Content:

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices

• Software and software development

• Exchanging data

• Data types, data structures and algorithms

• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

• Elements of computational thinking

• Problem solving and programming

• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.

• Analysis of the problem

• Design of the solution

• Developing the solution

• Evaluation

 

Assessment

Two externally marked exams:

·        Computer Systems (01)

·        Algorithms and programming (02)

One NEA Project

·        Programming project (03)

 

Why choose OCR A Level in computer Science?

“At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking: a mode of thought that goes well beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason about systems and problems.” (CAS-Computer Science a Curriculum for Schools).

OCR Computer Science will above all else be relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. It has an open source ethos allowing any programming language that meets the needs of the course to be used.

 

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

 

OCR’s A Level in Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions.

 

The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. OCR offers a rigorous assessment structure that ensures the integrity of the project.

 

The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:

• an understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation

• the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so

• the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically

• the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science

• mathematical skills

• the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology

 

Key Contact: Curriculum Leader - Mrs S Fearnley (sfe@slougheton.com)