Computer Science

EXAM SPECIFICATION: OCR H446

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

Please view the video below to get an overview of the course.  

STUDENT VIDEO: Current student, Josh Hitchon, describes what it's like to study Computer Science at A Level.

The Course - Overview of content

Unit 1 Computer Systems 

1.1.1 Structure and function of the processor 

1.1.2 Types of Processor 

1.1.3 Input, output and storage 

1.2.1 Systems Software 

1.2.2 Apllications Generation 

1.2.3 Software Developement 

1.2.4 Types of Programming Language 

1.3.1 Compression, Encryption and Hashing 

1.3.2 Databases

1.3.3 Networks 

1.3.4 Web Technologies 

1.4.1 Data Types 

1.4.2 Data Structures 

1.4.3 Boolean Algebra 

1.5.1 Computing related legislation 

1.5.2 Moral and ethical issues 

Unit 2 Algorithms and Programming 

2.1.1 Thinking abstractly 

2.1.2 Thinking ahead 

2.1.3 Thinking procedurally.

2.1.4 Thinking logically. 

2.1.5 Thinking concurrently. 

2.2.1 Programming techniques 

2.2.2 Computational Methods 

2.3.1 Algorithms 

Skills

• Problem Solving
• Algorithmic thinking 
• Mathematical thinking 
• Project design and implementation 
• Project testing 
• Identifying and communicating with stakeholders 

Examinations

All A-level exams are at the end of Year 13:

• Computer Systems exam Paper 
  • 140 marks 
  • 40% total A-level 
  • 2 hours 30 minutes 
  • Written paper 
• Algorithms and programming exam paper 
  • 140 marks
  • 40% total A-level
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Written paper
• Programming Project 
  • Non-exam assessment 
  • Create your own software/program 
  • 20% of total A-level 

Enrichment

• Possible trips to Computer Science in Action conference in London
• Cyber Challenge initiative
• Raspberry Pi competitions

For further details, please contact Miss Page, Head of Computer Science. hpage@bishopstopford.com.