Computer Science - KS5

Choose a subject

Studying A-Level Computer Science enables students to develop advanced skills in problem-solving, programming, and understanding how computer systems operate. A large NEA teaches independence and the ability to deliver a full lifecycle project. It provides an excellent preparation for university study in Computer Science and related disciplines, and is highly valued in careers across technology, engineering, science, and business.

 

It's an amazing course for those with a keen interest in Computer Science and how modern technology works; successful candidates are generally those who have that keen interest and who may well explore that interest already outside school (in terms of programming or reading).  

 

Exam Board: OCR

Qualification: Computer Science H446

Examination Specification: Please visit the OCR Website here.

 

What will You Study?

The Specification document linked above gives an in depth view of what will be studied.

In brief, they will study:

• 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

The course goes into it's topics with some depth, and there are a wide variety of different topics to get to grips with.  

 
Other Information

Below are documents that provide the overall context of Computer Science at SJB.

Computer Science Curriculum Map

Computer Science Catholic Social Teaching Principles

Students develop strong programming skills in Python, learning to design and implement efficient solutions using structured and object-oriented techniques. They gain a solid understanding of algorithms, logic, and data structures, and learn how computer systems process and store information. Through the Programming Project, they build independence and problem-solving resilience — applying theory to create real-world software solutions.

A-Level Computer Science provides an excellent foundation for studying computing, software engineering, or related STEM subjects at university. The analytical and problem-solving skills developed are also highly valued in fields such as data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and finance. Many students go on to apprenticeships or careers in the rapidly growing technology sector.

There are two routes to allow you to study A-Level Computer Science at SJB.

Route One: If you have taken GCSE Computer Science:

  • GCSE Computer Science: Grade 6 or above

 

Route Two: If you have not taken GCSE Computer Science:

  • GCSE Mathematics: Grade 7 or above
  • In addition, you will need to have a chat on enrolment day with the Curriculum Lead for Computer Science to make sure that you:
    • have a good GCSE level of programming (preferably in Python but other languages would be acceptable)
    • have a good understanding of the course

To support those coming in without GCSE, information for ALL prospective students will be sent out ahead of the Summer giving advice and resources to make sure they have the best chance of success on starting the course.

Component 1: Computer Systems

  • Written Paper
  • 2 1/2 hours
  • 140 Marks
  • 40% of the A-Level Marks
  • No Calculator

Component 2: Algorithms and Programming

  • Written Paper
  • 2 1/2 hours
  • 140 Marks
  • 40% of the A-Level Marks
  • No Calculator

Component 3: Programming Projecf

  • Non Exam Assessment
  • 70 Marks
  • 20% of the A-Level Marks
Back