OLA 6th Computer Science
A-Level Computer Science is an option for students who are considering pursuing a career in the subject, including in software engineering, network security or data science.
We follow the AQA Computer Science A-Level specification, which includes a computer-based examination and a NEA programming project. The latter requires students to design and implement a piece of software with a specific customer in mind.
The course is only suitable for those who start with at least GCSE-level programming skills, and hence a good grade in GCSE Computer Science is a requirement for starting the course. It is particularly beneficial to those who already enjoy programming in their own time and want to take their skills a step further. Thanks to small group sizes, we can tailor the course in each year to particular interests and ambitions of individual students.
Faculty Links
As part of a single faculty, Computer Science remains in close collaboration with Mathematics. Computational thinking and problem solving are recurring themes throughout the curricula of both subjects. As a faculty, we aim to equip our learners with thinking skills necessary to adapt to the modern world, not just to teach them formulaic knowledge or specific technologies.
Accommodation
Our department uses two modern ICT suites for computer-based work. Our KS3 and GCSE classes are between 10 and 20 pupils each, and our A Level sets are significantly smaller. This allows us to ensure the teaching content and delivery each year are most suitable to every learner.
Our 6th Form students use a dedicated set of Linux laptops. This allows them to develop advanced skills in low-level programming and network security in a safe and convenient environment.
What sort of work is involved?
The majority of A-level Computer science courses consist of work towards two exam papers, both worth 40% of the whole, plus non-exam assessment worth 20% which will typically be done over a period of about 3 months.
The first exam is a programming test.
This will test your ability to solve problems as much as it will test your technical knowledge of the programming language you have learned.
The second exam tests theory and is a written exam.
Questions are designed to test your knowledge of computer systems, how they are formed and the social and legal parts of computing, communication, networking and databases.
For the non-exam assessment
You pick your own project which must have a significant programming element. You will create a program to solve a problem, such as writing a computer game, making a mobile phone application or doing an investigation into machine learning. There is no restriction on programming language used in the project. When writing coursework you won’t just be expected to produce working code, but will be expected to write good, well structured working code. Despite the large programming element, you will actually be marked on the documentation you produce. This will typically consist of an analysis, designing the solution, annotated code showing your finished solution, tests demonstrating that your solution works and an evaluation.
What background do I need?
To do A level Computer science it is not essential to have done computer science at GCSE, though it is advisable to have done some practice of programming in your own time. The course has a significant programming element and those who have no previous experience of programming often find it very challenging. You ought to have at least a B-grade in mathematics. There are several topics that require the ability to reason logically and apply mathematical and logical processes to solutions. It is likely that if you find mathematics enjoyable and interesting then you will also like computer science.
Where can it lead?
A level Computer science is naturally a strong subject to take if you wish to go on to do computer science at degree level, and although most computing-based degree courses don’t require Computer science A level there are a number of software engineering courses which do. There are also other degree courses such as information technology and information systems which will be served well by a Computer science A level. After university, there are numerous interesting fields of study and professions that you can go in to. Computer science will lead on to robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, big data processing, networking, ethical hacking, computer game development, home automation or even teaching. So much of the world uses computers nowadays that having a good understanding of how computers work and how to program them will set you up for success in many strands of life. Numbers of computers are also increasing in many developing countries too, meaning that your skills in computer science will be very portable. The most popular programming languages in the world are based on the English language using statements such as for, while, if, else, repeat, so studying computer science in an English speaking college will give you a good foundation if you wish to travel and find a job working with computers in another country.