KS5 Computer Science

The OCR A Level in Computer Science is tailored to the individual interests and aspirations of students, offering the flexibility to explore a range of programming languages and technologies. It is a practical and creative subject where learners apply the academic principles studied in the classroom to real-world problems and software solutions.

Students are encouraged to develop as independent programmers, researching and investigating new techniques through resources such as tutorials, online courses, and code examples, mirroring the way software developers learn and work in industry.

Overview

Exam 01: Computer Systems

  • 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.

Exam 02: Algorithms and Programming

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

 

NEA: Programming Project

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE CHOICE

Students should select the programming language that best supports your chosen project and enables you to demonstrate your programming skills effectively. Possible language choices include:

  • C-family languages (such as C#, C++, or C)
  • Python
  • Java
  • PHP/HTML/Java Script
  • Visual Basic

The selected language should be appropriate for the project's objectives, the student's skill level, and the requirements of the intended solution.

CONTEXT CHOICE

Students are encouraged to choose a project that reflects their own interests, experiences, or career aspirations. Working with teacher support, they will define a meaningful problem and create a software solution that:

  • meets the requirements of the NEA assessment criteria.
  • uses an appropriate programming language selected by the student.
  • demonstrates independent problem-solving and decision-making.
  • addresses a genuine user need or real-world challenge.
  • progresses through the full software development lifecycle, from initial investigation and planning through to implementation, testing, and evaluation.
  • enables students to evidence their understanding of analysis, design, development, and evaluation skills.

 Computer systems (01) 40%
140 marks; 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed)


Algorithms and programming (02) 40%
140 marks 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed)

Programming project (03) 20%
70 marks non-exam assessment

The amount of practical time for the programming project will exceed 20% of the course time. Both exams will also have components taught practically.

Admissions
Prospectus