Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Leamington Spa. Classes run at Campion School, full-time during the day. This level 3 advanced GCE in computer science qualification combines practical programming with academic study of computing systems and computational thinking. You'll sit two written papers, each two and a half hours long and worth 40% of the course each. The remaining 20% comes from a Practical Programming Project. The course runs over two years.
Who this course is for
A Level Computer Science is a subject that combines practical programming skills, with the academic understanding of Computing Systems and Computational Thinking. Students sit 2 papers, each 2 hours 30 minutes in length, and worth 40% of the course each. The
remaining 20% is made up of a Practical Programming Project.
Component 01: Computer Systems (140 marks)
Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development,
data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their
work in component 03.
It covers:
The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
Data exchange between different systems
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.
Component 02: Algorithms and Programming (140 marks)
It covers:
What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking
procedurally etc.)
Problem solving and programming how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.
Component 03: Programming Project (70 marks)
Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding
programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program
written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by
the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of
computer science.
What you will learn
You'll learn how CPUs work and how data moves within computer systems.
You'll study software development methods and how programs are built.
You'll work with different data types and understand how data is represented.
You'll explore legal and ethical issues in computing.
You'll develop practical programming skills through a project you design and build yourself.
You'll practise computational thinking to analyse and solve complex problems.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Campion School. Assessment is by two written exams, each two hours and thirty minutes long, covering Computer Systems and other core topics. Each paper is worth 40% of your final grade. The remaining 20% comes from a Practical Programming Project, which you complete as coursework.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Campion School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Junior software developer: write and test code in a professional team.
IT support technician: diagnose and fix hardware and software issues.
Systems analyst: review and improve how organisations use technology.
Data analyst: work with datasets to find patterns and insights.
Network administrator: manage and maintain computer networks.
Cybersecurity analyst: protect systems and data from threats.
What you could study next
BSc Computer Science (degree): the natural next step for deeper study of programming, systems, and theory.
BSc Software Engineering (degree): focuses on building large-scale software systems professionally.
BSc Cybersecurity (degree): specialist route into security roles.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a shorter higher-education option if a full degree isn't the right fit yet.
