A Level Computer Science in Bromley for 16 to 18 Year Olds – Coopers School

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Bromley. Classes run at Coopers School. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers computing principles, algorithms and problem solving, and computer systems. You'll study how CPUs work, how data is exchanged, software development, data types, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding computing. The level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification is awarded by OCR. Entry requires GCSE English Language at grade C or above, GCSE Maths at grade B or above, and GCSE ICT at grade C or above (or IT Nationals MM).

Who this course is for

Year 1Unit 1 – Computing principles - This component will introduce learners to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.Unit 2 – Algorithms and problem solving - This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computing principles (01). Year 2 Unit 3 – Computer systems - Learners will draw on this underpinning content when studying computational thinking, developing programming techniques and devising their own programming approach in Unit 5. Assessed by a 2 hour 30 minute written examUnit 4 – Algorithms and programming - This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer systems component.Unit 5 – Programming project - Learners will be expected to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language.

Entry requirements

GCSE English Language C or better GCSE Maths B or better GCSE ICT C or better / IT Nationals MM

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and how data is exchanged between components.
  • You'll study software development methods and practices.
  • You'll work with different data types and understand how they are used in computing.
  • You'll examine the legal and ethical issues that affect the computing industry.
  • You'll develop skills in algorithms and problem solving, building on your computing principles knowledge.
  • You'll study computer systems in depth, drawing on everything covered in year one.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons across two years of full-time daytime study. The course is structured around three units: Computing Principles, Algorithms and Problem Solving, and Computer Systems. Assessment is through the OCR Advanced GCE specification, which combines written examinations and coursework components across the two years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Coopers School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Software developer: writes and tests code for applications and systems.
  • IT support technician: diagnoses and resolves hardware and software issues.
  • Junior network engineer: helps design and maintain computer networks.
  • Data analyst: works with datasets to find patterns and support decisions.
  • Cybersecurity analyst: monitors systems and responds to security threats.
  • Web developer: builds and maintains websites and web applications.

What you could study next

  • BSc Computer Science (university degree): the natural next step after an advanced GCE in computer science course, opening roles across software, data, and systems engineering.
  • BSc Cybersecurity or BSc Artificial Intelligence: specialist degrees for those who want to focus on security or machine learning.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a Level 4 option if you prefer a more applied, vocational route into the tech industry.