Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Hillingdon. Classes run at Vyners School, full-time over two years. You'll study both theory and practical programming, covering processor architecture, data structures, algorithms, software development, and computational thinking. The course also explores legal, moral, and ethical issues in computing. Entry requires a grade 5 in Computing with confident Python programming, and a grade 6 in Mathematics. The level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification is assessed through written exams and a programming project.
Who this course is for
The A Level specification in computer science contains both theory and practical elements. The theory elements
will enable you to develop an understanding of:
the 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
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
Entry requirements
5 in Computing (Evidence of confident programming in Python) and 6 in Mathematics
What you will learn
You'll develop an understanding of contemporary processor characteristics and how they work.
You'll study input, output, and storage devices.
You'll explore software development methods and programming concepts.
You'll learn how data is exchanged across systems and networks.
You'll work with data types, data structures, and algorithms.
You'll apply computational thinking to solve problems through programming.
You'll examine legal, moral, cultural, and ethical issues in computing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons combining theory and practical programming work. Assessment is through written examinations covering the theory content, plus a programming project where you design and build a software solution. The programming project is a substantial piece of individual work assessed by OCR.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Vyners 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.
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 (degree): the most direct next step, covering advanced programming, systems, and theory in depth.
BSc Software Engineering (degree): focuses on building and managing large-scale software systems.
BSc Cybersecurity (degree): for those drawn to the security and ethical issues covered in the A Level.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a Level 4 option if you prefer a more applied, vocational route into the sector.
