Computer Science A Level
Qualification: GCE A Level in Computer Science
Exam Board & Specification Code: OCR; H446; Specification
Course Entry Requirements: 6 in Maths GCSE. You do not need to have studied Computer Science or IT at GCSE/Level 2.
Please make sure that you have understood the overall entry requirements to study at BHASVIC. These are available here and outline the GCSE grades you need to take up one of the Study Programmes at the college.
Length and size of qualification: 2 year single course
Timetable hours: 4.5 hours per week
Assessment method: 2 x 2.5 hour exams plus a programming project
BHASVIC Department: Computing and I.T.
What will I study?
You will spend two years becoming a strong programmer who is able to use a range of different languages and programming styles. Through this, you will learn how different algorithms are used to solve different types of problem. You will also cover a wide range of computing theory topics, learning more about how computer systems use logic, Boolean algebra, binary and hexadecimal number systems, how IDEs translate code & run it, different types of and uses for today’s processors, how operating systems manage a computer, networks and how they direct traffic, web technologies and the databases behind them. As part of the course you will undertake a complex project worth 20% of your A Level. The project allows you to pursue something of personal interest. Many students choose to develop a game or app for mobile platforms / PCs, a website with a back-end database, or use Raspberry Pi’s for hardware related ideas e.g. remote-controlled home management systems.
Is this course right for me?
Even if you haven't studied Computer Science before, if you enjoy problem solving and are logical and good at Maths then this is the right course for you. Studying CS will give you a great head start if you want to go on and study a technology-based subject at a higher level. Many of our students study Maths and Physics alongside, our BTEC courses in either Computing or IT also work well with this course, as well as other science A Levels. The course has a lot of mathematical content, from the decision-type maths area. If you choose not to study Maths A Level it may make understanding some of the theoretical aspects tough and limit some options for Higher Education.
Frequently asked questions
Years of experience and analysis of BHASVIC data have shown it doesn't make a difference to the final grade you will achieve.
You don't have to but it will help and it could limit your options of where to study it later at university if you don't. You don't need to take Double Maths though!
You will do lots of coding in both but the BTEC is more specialist and focused on a few large topics, whereas with Computer Science you study a wider-breadth of areas.
At BHASVIC we group girls so that you won't be one of only a few in your class. Each year the number of girls goes up; currently we have two classes in Y12 which are 50:50 girls & boys.
None. If you have some, great, but you don't need any. We have a number of pathways into the Y1 part of the course depending on the experience you come in with.
Where next?
A vast array of jobs exists within the field of Computer Science including Analyst, Programmer and Developer roles. There are opportunities within many sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace and defence, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, public and third sectors. This course enables progression into higher education in a wide range of degree areas such as computing, engineering and mathematics. Equally, the course supports direct entry into the computing industry e.g. apprenticeships in Digital Cyber Security. A Degree Apprenticeship in Software Engineering (where you earn a salary and have your university fees paid) is another possible progression route from this course. Useful websites to research careers and wider progression options could include The Tech Partnership, Target Careers, BCS The Chartered Institute for IT, All About Careers and The Apprenticeship Guide.
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