Overview
The A-Level OCR Computer Science qualification provides students with a strong foundation in computing principles and concepts. It covers programming, algorithms, data structures, computer systems, and software development. Students develop practical coding and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects while also strengthening critical thinking, logical reasoning, and communication. By the end, they’re equipped for higher education or careers in technology, with a deep understanding of both theory and practice.
Course Content
This two-year course follows a structured approach to learning computer science, covering key topics in computer systems, algorithms, and programming.
Year 1 Content:
● Computer Systems
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Characteristics of contemporary processors, input/output, and storage devices
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Types of software, operating systems, and software development methodologies
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Data exchange and structures: databases, networks, and web technologies
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Legal, moral, and ethical issues related to computing
● Algorithms and Programming
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Introduction to computational thinking (abstraction, logic, problem decomposition)
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Basics of programming constructs: classes, sub-routines, iteration, and selection
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Standard algorithms for sorting and searching through data structures
Year 2 Content:
● Advanced Computer Systems
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In-depth study of hardware architectures (e.g., RISC vs. CISC, multicore systems)
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Advanced data structures (e.g., binary trees, hash tables) and Boolean algebra
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Network security, cryptography, and hashing techniques
● Algorithms and Problem Solving
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Computational methods like divide and conquer, heuristics, and pipelining
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Algorithm analysis, including Big-O complexity and optimisation
● Programming Project
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A self-directed project where students design, develop, test, and evaluate a solution to a real-world problem using agile methodologies
Requirements
To enrol in the A-Level Computer Science course, you’ll need:
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5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including a Grade 6 in Maths or in a Foreign Language that is not a first language, and a Grade 5 in English
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A strong interest or prior experience in Computing is advantageous but not mandatory
Careers
Career opportunities with an A-level in Computer Science include:
Here's a list with numbered career opportunities for an A-level in Computer Science:
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Software Development – Software engineer, mobile app developer
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Web Development – Front-end developer, back-end developer
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Cybersecurity – Cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker
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Data Science – Data scientist, machine learning engineer
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Artificial Intelligence – AI specialist, AI researcher
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IT Support – IT support specialist, network administrator
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Game Development – Game developer, game designer
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Cloud Computing – Cloud engineer, cloud architect
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Database Administration – Database administrator, data engineer
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Business Analysis – Business analyst, systems analyst
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Tech Consulting – IT consultant, technical consultant
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Network Engineering – Network engineer, systems administrator
These roles open up diverse paths in tech, with some requiring additional study or hands-on experience.