The A-level Computer Science specification requires students to think in both concrete and abstract terms, spanning both theory and practice. You will study the technical aspects of hardware and networking, alongside concepts of programming. There is also a significant focus on computational thinking – a style of reasoning used by both machines and humans, which is useful in problem solving. It is recommended that students choosing to study this subject at A-level, should have the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE Computer Science course or equivalent. Core Content 1. Fundamentals of programming 2. Fundamentals of data structures 3. Systematic approach to problem solving 4. Theory of computation 5. Fundamentals of data representation 6. Fundamentals of computer systems 7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture 8. Consequences of uses of computing 9. Fundamentals of communication and networking 10.Fundamentals of databases 11.Big Data 12.Fundamentals of functional programming 13.Systematic approach to problem solving 14.Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project In Computer Science, you will work both independently and with others. Your teacher(s) will encourage you to pre-learn content covered in lessons and deliver the subject content to you through a range of methods that promote interactive learning. Lessons will focus on the theory behind data, computing and look at how algorithms are used. Lesson tasks, study tasks and homeworks will centre around problem solving. https://www.ashmoleacademy.org/_site/data/files/post16/1665D110BFBC2774CA4DFED150071DED.pdf#page=14
6 in Computer Science if studied and 6 in Maths CURRENT YEAR 11 STUDENTS AND EXTERNAL candidates must have: 9 A-level: at least three 9-6 grades in addition to a 5 in English Language and a 5 in Maths For internal Year 11 students only, the Academy offers a BTEC Extended Diploma. The entry criteria for BTEC is: 5 or more GCSE grades of 9–4, including English Language & Maths and a 4 in Business if studied.
Section What is assessed How is it assessed Weighting Paper 1 Ability to program as well as subject content from 1-4 above and the skills required from section 13 above. On screen examination Short questions and write/adapt/extend programs. 2 hours 30 minutes 40% Paper 2 Subject content from 5-12 above. Written examination Short-answer and extended-answer questions. 2 hours 30 minutes 40% Non-exam assessment Ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Computing practical project. 75 marks 20%
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Mixed |
| Address | Cecil Road, Southgate, London, N14 5RJ |
The A-level Computer Science specification requires students to think in both concrete and abstract terms, spanning both theory and practice. You will study the technical aspects of hardware and networking, alongside concepts of programming. There is also a significant focus on computational thinking – a style of reasoning used by both machines and humans, which is useful in problem solving. It is recommended that students choosing to study this subject at A-level, should have the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE Computer Science course or equivalent. Core Content 1. Fundamentals of programming 2. Fundamentals of data structures 3. Systematic approach to problem solving 4. Theory of computation 5. Fundamentals of data representation 6. Fundamentals of computer systems 7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture 8. Consequences of uses of computing 9. Fundamentals of communication and networking 10.Fundamentals of databases 11.Big Data 12.Fundamentals of functional programming 13.Systematic approach to problem solving 14.Non-exam assessment – the computing practical project In Computer Science, you will work both independently and with others. Your teacher(s) will encourage you to pre-learn content covered in lessons and deliver the subject content to you through a range of methods that promote interactive learning. Lessons will focus on the theory behind data, computing and look at how algorithms are used. Lesson tasks, study tasks and homeworks will centre around problem solving. https://www.ashmoleacademy.org/_site/data/files/post16/1665D110BFBC2774CA4DFED150071DED.pdf#page=14
6 in Computer Science if studied and 6 in Maths CURRENT YEAR 11 STUDENTS AND EXTERNAL candidates must have: 9 A-level: at least three 9-6 grades in addition to a 5 in English Language and a 5 in Maths For internal Year 11 students only, the Academy offers a BTEC Extended Diploma. The entry criteria for BTEC is: 5 or more GCSE grades of 9–4, including English Language & Maths and a 4 in Business if studied.
Section What is assessed How is it assessed Weighting Paper 1 Ability to program as well as subject content from 1-4 above and the skills required from section 13 above. On screen examination Short questions and write/adapt/extend programs. 2 hours 30 minutes 40% Paper 2 Subject content from 5-12 above. Written examination Short-answer and extended-answer questions. 2 hours 30 minutes 40% Non-exam assessment Ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Computing practical project. 75 marks 20%
