Computer Science A Level
Course Overview
Computer Science is a practical subject where academic principles meet real-world systems. It is an intensely creative discipline that combines invention with the excitement of seeing your ideas come to life.
The aims of this qualification are to enable you to develop:
- A deep understanding of fundamental concepts including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation.
- The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience and writing your own programs.
- The capacity for thinking creatively, analytically and critically.
- A strong grasp of the relationships between different aspects of computer science and mathematical skills.
- The ability to articulate the individual, social, legal and cultural risks and opportunities of digital technology.
Course Components
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
You will also choose a computing problem to solve.
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including:
- GCSE grade 5 in Computer Science
- Or GCSE grade 4 in Mathematics if Computer Science not studied at GCSE
Assessment
- 80% Exam
- 20% Coursework
- Exam Board: OCR
Subject Lead
Ms S Calow
Why Choose this course?
The demand for skilled computer scientists is vast, especially for professionals with expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing.
Whether you want to command a high wage, change the world through medical innovation or raise global standards of living, this is the course for you.
If you enjoy a challenge and want to solve problems that people do not even realise exist yet, choose Computer Science. Be the person in control of technology rather than being controlled by it. Be the future.
Skills You Gain
You will become a consummate problem solver. You will learn to think logically and develop sophisticated solutions for complex systems. You will gain the most sought after attributes in the modern job market: the ability to deconstruct a complicated issue and make it simple, solvable and robust.
After Northgate
After your time at Northgate, you can progress to degree level studies at university or undertake a degree apprenticeship with a global company. This allows you to learn a profession while the company pays for your degree and provides a salary at the same time. You could even launch your own startup! Wherever you want to go, the logical mindset and technical grit you develop in Computer Science at Northgate will get you there.
“Computer Science opens up opportunities that you have not realised exist yet, the world is changing fast, be the change”