Computer Science
Computer Science – A Level
Entry Requirements:
Minimum entry requirements for all A Level courses are minimum of 8 GCSE subjects, with an average grade of 6 (legacy grade B) or above; including at least a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language (or Literature) and GCSE mathematics and a grade 6 or above in GCSE Science.
In addition, to study this subject you must have a grade 5 or above in mathematics and English Language. 6 or above in GCSE Information Technology/BTEC equivalent at distinction.
Overview:
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.
The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:
An understanding 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 to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
- The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
- Mathematical skills.
Year 1 and 2 units:
1. Unit name: Unit 1 – Component 1
Unit Title: Computing principles
Exam Type: Written paper – 1 hour and 15 minutes
Marks: 140 marks 40% of A level
2. Unit name: Unit 2 – Component 2
Unit Title: Algorithms and problem solving
Exam Type: Written paper – 1 hour and 15 minutes
Marks: 140 marks 40% of A level
3. Unit name: Unit 3* or 4** – Component 3 or 4
Unit Title: Programming project
Exam Type: Written paper – 1 hour and 15 minutes
Marks: 70 marks 20% of A level
* Indicates synoptic assessment
** Learners who are re-taking the qualification may carry forward their mark for the non exam assessment component (04).
IT Practitioners – BTEC
Overview:
BTEC Level 3 is a triple award course consisting of a combination of Foundation Diploma in Computing (510 guided learning hours) and Foundation Diploma in Information Technology (510 guided learning hours), spread over two years. The full course is equivalent to 3 A-levels.
Year 12
BTEC Nationals Level 3 Foundation Diploma in IT (510GLH)
Total Units- 6 : Mandatory Units – 4 Optional Units –2 |
Mandatory Units |
Information Technology Systems (120 GLH). Written Exam-Set and marked externally by Pearson |
Creating Systems to Manage Information (90GLH). Task/Project set by Pearson |
Using Social Media in Business (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally |
Programming (90 GLH). ). Assignment-Set and marked internally. |
Optional Units |
Data Modelling (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally |
Website Development (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally. |
Year 13
BTEC Nationals Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Computing (510GLH)
Total Units- 6 : Mandatory Units – 4 Optional Units –2 |
Mandatory Units |
Principals of Computer Science (120 GLH). Written Exam-Set and marked externally by Pearson |
Fundamentals of Computer Science (90GLH). Written Exam-Set and marked externally by Pearson |
IT Systems Security and Encryption (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally |
Business Applications of Social Media (90 GLH). ). Assignment-Set and marked internally. |
Optional Units |
Human-Computer Interaction (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally |
System Analysis and Design (90 GLH). Assignment-Set and marked internally |