“I have come in order that you might have life – life in all it’s fulness. John 10:10”
“The Computer Science department promotes a love of computing and strives for students to succeed in making themselves and others proud, building fundamental skills they need for their futures.
We believe that an environment where failure is accepted and used to build self confidence, as well as resilience, is key for a healthy mind and body”
Mr J Muldoon ~ Leader of Learning
Subject Leader: Mr J Muldoon
Email address: j.muldoon@becketonline.co.uk
What specification (syllabus) is being taught?
OCR A-Level Computer Science H446
General overview
The A Level Computer Science course is designed to appeal to students who are simply curious about the inner workings and applications of computers, as well as to those students who wish to pursue a career in Computing.
The emphasis of the course is on the inner workings of a computer and the application of computers to solving realistic problems. The course aims to develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers.
Who should take this course?
Is this subject right for me?
· Do you enjoy solving puzzles and problems?
· Do you have the patience to work at a problem until you can solve it?
· Do you like maths?
· Do you use your computer at home for more than just surfing the net?
If so, then this may be the course for you! This Computing course is designed to provide a progression route to higher education and further training for employment. The course fits in well with most other A Level choices and leads into a wide range of careers.
What are the entry requirements?
A 6 or above in either GCSE Computer Science or GCSE Maths
What are the key topics and themes?
When will they be taught?
The course is split into three units.
The course is split into three units.
Computing Systems (01)
Candidates will learn:-
· Characteristics of contemporary processors.
· Software and Software Development
· Exchanging Data
· Data Types and Algorithms
· Legal and Ethical Issues
Algorithms and problem solving (02)
Candidates will learn:-
· Elements of computational thinking
· Problem solving and Programming
· Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms.
Programming Project (03)
Through coursework candidates cover the following parts in the production of their project:-
· Analysis of the problem
· Design of the solution
· Developing the solution
· Evaluation
How will students be assessed?
When do these assessments take place?
Computing Systems (01) Exam is 2 hours 30mins worth 40%
Algorithms and problem solving (02) Exam is 2 hours 30mins worth 40%
Programming Project (03) Coursework is worth 20%
What can students do for revision at home? What materials are provided or available online?
Classroom resources are shared via Google Classroom and revision resources are also shared in this way.
