Business and IT A-Level For 16-19 Year Olds

A Level Computer Science

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Computer science consists of computer systems, algorithms, and programming including a programming project. You will develop problem-solving skills by applying the knowledge and understanding encountered.

EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 5 in GCSE maths and grade 4 in GCSE English Language. An interest in programming and a general aptitude for problem-solving.

Why study A Level Computer Science at Blackpool Sixth?

Python, Visual Basic and C# are the programming languages of choice embedded into the curriculum. You will also have access to the 6Advance programming club to help enhance your programming skills.

How will I be taught?

Component 1 contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding. Lessons are both theoretical and practical with elements of group work.


Component 2 relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in Component 1.


Programming project component 3 is a practical portfolio based assessment with a task that is chosen by the teacher or learner and is produced in an appropriate programming language.

Teacher expertise

The teacher has experience in the programming industry.

What skills will I develop?

  • An understanding of 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 for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
  • Mathematical skills.
  • The ability to articulate the individual moral, social, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
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How will I be assessed?

  • Component 1 – Computer Systems – 140 Marks – 2 hours and 30 minutes – written paper.
  • Component 2 – Algorithms and programming – 140 Marks – 2 hours and 30 minutes – written paper.
  • Component 3 – Programming project – 70 marks – non-exam assessment.

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What will you study and other information about A LEVEL Computer science

Where does it lead?

Students willing to take computing further usually end up studying a computer science related degree course at university. Some students may choose to go straight into industry with fantastic apprenticeship opportunities with various employers ranging from BAE Systems to Capgemini.

Our Alumni

Elliott Gray-Medd, class of 23

HIGH SCHOOL: Cardinal Allen Catholic High School

Elliott studied level 2 and 3 BTEC Health and Social Care, GCSE English and GCSE Maths at Blackpool Sixth. He is now working as a teaching assistant at Red Marsh School. He said “The staff are amazing and so supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am without them!”

Yulan ChanDelaney, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Montgomery Academy

Congratulations to Yulan ChanDelaney for achieving excellent grades in her A Levels! Yulan has excelled with A grades in Biology and her Extended Project and B grades in Chemistry and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy. We are delighted to announce that Yulan will be attending the University of Leeds in the coming academic year to study medicine. Best of luck with your future studies, Yulan!

Adam Walker, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Millfield Science & Performing Arts College

Adam has achieved an impressive Double Distinction star in BTEC Music and a Merit in BTEC Business at Blackpool Sixth. We are thrilled to announce that Adam will be pursuing Creative Musicianship at ICMP, and we cannot wait to see where his passion for music takes him!

Luke Moore, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Lytham St Annes Technology & Performing Arts College

Luke is an incredibly talented student who excelled in BTEC Performing Arts – Musical Theatre, achieving an impressive Triple Distinction Star grade. Luke has decided to take a gap year to audition for colleges but dreams to attend a top London-based college, and eventually make it to the West End. We have no doubt that Luke will achieve great success in his future!

Thirisha Varatharajan, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Baines School

Thirisha Varatharajan has excelled in her biology A Level with a grade of B, as well as chemistry and mathematics A Levels, both with a grade of A. We are proud to announce that Thirisha will be attending the University of Liverpool in the upcoming academic year. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and can’t wait to see what she will achieve next!

Maddie robinson, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Carr Hill

Maddie Robinson has received a Double Distinction Star and a Distinction in Health & Social Care (Triple). We are thrilled to hear that Maddie plans to progress into employment at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and we are confident that she will excel in this role. Maddie’s hard work and dedication have clearly paid off, and we wish her all the best with her future. Well done, Maddie!

David Speight, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Highfield Leadership Academy

David Speight gained an A grade in A Level Photography and a Double Distinction Star in BTEC Film and Television. We are proud to announce that he will be moving onto a Level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship at Ascent Trampoline Park.

Sarah Grogan, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Montgomery Academy

Sarah has recently received A* grades in maths and physics, as well as an A in economics. We are thrilled to announce that Sarah will be attending Cambridge University to pursue her studies in economics.

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