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A Level Computer Science in Harrow for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
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.

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About this course

Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Harrow. Classes run at Pitman Training North West London, full-time during the day. A 16-19 Bursary Fund is available, so fees may be reduced or waived depending on your circumstances. This one-year Level 3 Advanced GCE in Computer Science course covers computer systems, algorithms, programming, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding technology. You'll study how processors and storage devices work, explore software development methodologies, and develop your computational thinking and problem-solving skills. Entry requires six GCSE passes at grade 5 to 9, including grade 5 or above in English Language and Maths, plus grade 5 or above in GCSE Computer Science or grade 6 or above in Maths.

Who this course is for

Awarding Body : OCR

Computer systems

This component will cover the following:

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Software and software development
  • Data types, structures and algorithms
  • Exchanging data
  • Legal and ethical issues

Algorithms and programming

This component will include the following:

  • Elements of computational thinking
  • Problem solving and programming
  • Software development methodologies
  • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms.

Programming project

Students and/or centres choose a computing problem to work through. This will enable students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the assessment objectives. Students will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement and test the solution and give a thorough evaluation.

Entry requirements

General Requirements : 6 grade 5-9 GCSE passes including 5 or higher English Lang AND Maths Additional or Specific Requirements : Grade 5 or above in GCSE Computer Science or 6 or higher in Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll study the characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output, and storage devices.
  • You'll explore software types and software development approaches.
  • You'll work with data types, data structures, and algorithms.
  • You'll learn how data is exchanged across systems and networks.
  • You'll examine the legal and ethical issues that shape computing practice.
  • You'll develop computational thinking skills to break down and solve complex problems.
  • You'll write and analyse programs using structured software development methodologies.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Pitman Training North West London, covering both theory and practical programming. The OCR Advanced GCE is assessed through written examinations and a programming project component. Assessment covers computer systems knowledge, algorithmic problem-solving, and your ability to design and develop software solutions.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Pitman Training North West London will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior software developer: write and test code in entry-level development roles
  • IT support technician: diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues
  • Junior network administrator: support and maintain organisational networks
  • Data analyst: work with datasets to identify patterns and produce reports
  • Junior systems administrator: manage servers, users, and IT infrastructure
  • Technical support analyst: assist users and troubleshoot technical problems

What you could study next

  • BSc Computer Science (degree): the level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification is a recognised entry route to university computer science degrees.
  • BSc Software Engineering (degree): focuses on building and maintaining large-scale software systems.
  • BSc Cybersecurity (degree): specialist route into network security and digital forensics.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing (Level 4): a shorter higher education option if you want to progress into work sooner.
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