Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free A Level Computer Science in Crowborough

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Crowborough. Classes run at Beacon Academy. The course covers core computer science principles, from processor architecture and software to computational thinking and problem-solving. You'll also complete an independent programming project, applying your knowledge to real-world systems. Entry requires at least five GCSEs at grade 9 - 5, including at least a grade 6 in Maths. The course takes two years full-time.

Who this course is for

Computer Science helps students understand the core academic principles of computer science. The A

Level develops students’ technical understanding and their ability to analyse and solve problems using

computational thinking. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to real-world systems, in

particular through the creation of an independent programming project.

Content

(for examined units)

  • Characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Software and software development
  • Exchanging data
  • Data types, data structures and algorithms
  • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Problem solving and programming
  • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Content (for project)

You will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification

  • Analysis of the problem
  • Design of the solution
  • Developing the solution
  • Evaluation

Entry requirements

A minimum of at least five GCSEs at grade 9-5 in subjects assessed mainly by exams. This includes at least a grade 6 in Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll study the characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output, and storage devices.
  • You'll develop your understanding of software systems and how they work.
  • You'll apply computational thinking to analyse and solve complex problems.
  • You'll build and complete an independent programming project from scratch.
  • You'll learn how computer science principles connect to real-world systems.
  • You'll strengthen your ability to think logically and reason about algorithms.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Beacon Academy, covering both theory and practical programming. Assessment includes written examinations on the core content units. You'll also complete a substantial non-examined programming project, which you develop independently. This project is submitted as part of your final assessment alongside the examined components.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Beacon Academy 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.
  • Junior web developer: builds and maintains websites and web applications.
  • IT support analyst: troubleshoots hardware, software, and network issues.
  • Data analyst: works with datasets to find patterns and insights.
  • Systems administrator: manages and maintains computer networks and servers.
  • Junior cybersecurity analyst: monitors systems and responds to security threats.

What you could study next

  • BSc Computer Science (university degree): the level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification is a standard entry requirement for most university computing degrees.
  • BSc Software Engineering: a natural next step if your programming project sparked an interest in building software at scale.
  • BSc Cybersecurity or Data Science: specialist degrees for those drawn to security or data-focused roles.
  • Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in Digital Technology: combines paid work with a degree-level qualification.

Related courses at Beacon Academy

More courses near you