Computer Science

Computer Science is an exciting and challenging subject that develops problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking. It explores how computer systems work, how data is processed, and how software is designed and implemented, preparing students for a future in technology-rich careers.

Course Structure

The OCR A-level Computer Science course is assessed through two written examination papers and one non-examined assessment (NEA):

• Paper 1 (40%) – Focuses on computer systems, including the fundamentals of computer architecture, networks, data representation, and the impact of computing on society.
• Paper 2 (40%) – Assesses computational thinking, algorithms, and programming, requiring students to apply their problem-solving skills to unseen coding challenges.
• Non-Examined Assessment (20%) – A practical programming project, started in Year 12, where students independently design, develop, and test a solution to a real-world problem.

Topics of Study

This course is divided into 12 units covering a wide range of content, including:

• Networks and Communication
• Data Representation and Structures
• Programming Techniques and Software Development
• Algorithms and Computational Thinking
• Databases and Big Data
• The Theory of Computation

Enrichment Opportunities

We actively encourage students to engage in wider experiences beyond the classroom. Students regularly participate in national and international competitions, such as:

• BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge
• Perse Coding Team Challenge
• CyberFirst Security Competition
• The National Cipher Challenge
• The British Informatics Olympiad

Alongside competitions, we also organise exciting trips, including a planned visit to the National Computer History Museum, a planned visit to San Francisco, and the Global Computing Conference at Disneyland Paris, to name a few.

This course is ideal for students who enjoy solving problems, designing systems, and understanding how technology shapes the modern world. It provides excellent preparation for degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and related disciplines, as well as careers in software development, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and beyond. Please note, there is no prerequisite to have studied Computer Science at GCSE to study the A-Level.