Free Advanced GCE in Computer Science in Maidenhead. Classes run at Desborough College, full-time during the day. This OCR level 3 advanced GCE in computer science course runs over 18 months and puts computational thinking at its centre. You'll develop programming skills, strengthen your mathematical reasoning, and learn to design systems and solve complex problems. The course reflects how computing works in the real world, with an expanded maths focus woven throughout. Entry requires five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including at least a grade 5 in English, Maths, and ICT.
Who this course is for
OCR Computer Science is relevant to the modern and changing world of computing. This new course will focus on programming and emphasise the importance of computational thinking as a discipline; have an expanded maths focus, much of which will be embedded within the course; put computational thinking at its core, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence; and allow student to apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems in an exciting and engaging manner.
Unit 01 - COMPUTER SYSTEMS: This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: 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.
Unit 02 - ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING: This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with two sections, both of which will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions concerning computational thinking such as elements of computational thinking; programming and problem solving; pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency; standard algorithms.
Unit 03 - PROGRAMMING PROJECT: External postal moderation or repository. Students select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to
meet the Assessment Objectives. Students will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement the solution and give a thorough evaluation.
Entry requirements
5 9-4 and at least a grade 5 in English, Maths and ICT.
What you will learn
You'll develop programming skills and write code to solve structured problems.
You'll apply computational thinking to design and analyse systems.
You'll strengthen your mathematical reasoning as it applies to computing.
You'll explore how human and machine intelligence work.
You'll learn to break down complex problems into manageable steps.
You'll understand the principles behind computer systems and networks.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom full-time across the week. OCR assesses this qualification through written examinations and a programming project. The written papers test your theoretical knowledge and computational thinking. The project gives you the chance to apply your programming skills to a problem of your choice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Desborough College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Software developer: write and test code across a range of applications.
Junior web developer: build and maintain websites and web apps.
IT support technician: troubleshoot systems and support users.
Data analyst: work with datasets to find patterns and insights.
Network administrator: manage and maintain computer networks.
Systems analyst: assess and improve how organisations use technology.
What you could study next
BSc Computer Science (degree): the natural next step if you want to go deeper into software, systems, or data at university.
BSc Cyber Security (degree): builds on your computing foundations with a focus on protecting systems and networks.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a Level 4 option if you prefer a more applied, vocational route into the tech industry.
Degree apprenticeship in Software Engineering: combines paid work with a full degree qualification.
