Free Level 3 Computer Science Course in Maidenhead
CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
About this course
Free Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Computer Science Course in Maidenhead. Classes run at Desborough College, full-time during the day, and the course takes 9 months to complete. This OCR advanced subsidiary gce in computer science qualification puts computational thinking at its core. 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 a strong emphasis on how humans and machines process information. 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 - COMPUTING PRINCIPLES: 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; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues.
Unit 02 - ALGORITHMS AND PROBLEM SOLVING: This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper and will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. There'll be a short scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem solving. Other areas covered include the following: elements of computational thinking; problem solving and programming; algorithms.
The course will give students a clear progression into higher education. The course was designed after consultation with members of BCS, CAS and top universities.
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 working code.
You'll apply computational thinking to break down and solve problems.
You'll study the mathematical principles that underpin computer science.
You'll learn how to design systems and evaluate their effectiveness.
You'll explore how both humans and machines process and interpret information.
You'll understand the principles behind algorithms and data structures.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Desborough College, with full-time daytime attendance across the 9-month course. Assessment for the OCR Advanced Subsidiary GCE includes written examinations. Programming skills are assessed through practical tasks embedded in the course. Your teacher will guide you through theory and applied problem-solving throughout the year.
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
Junior software developer: write and test code in a development team.
IT support technician: troubleshoot hardware, software, and networks.
Data analyst: work with datasets to find patterns and insights.
Web developer: build and maintain websites and web applications.
Systems administrator: manage and maintain IT infrastructure.
QA tester: check software works correctly before release.
What you could study next
A Level Computer Science (OCR or other awarding body): the natural next step, deepening your programming and theory knowledge and opening university applications in computing.
T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development: a technical alternative combining study with an industry placement.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Computing: a Level 4 qualification for those moving into higher education or specialist technical roles.
