Computer Science

Exam Board: OCR

Whatever you choose to do in life you cannot really avoid the use of computers or knowledge of them. This course specialises in learning about how computers work and how you can program them to solve problems. It tackles advanced concepts such as computer architecture, binary, logic, algorithms, networking and other elements of computer science. You will want to have a big passion for the world of computers and motivation in programming to consider this course. 

Assessment

Unit 1 (40% exam): Completely theory-based. Contains computing terms and topics such as computer hardware, CPU architecture, logic and networking.

Unit 2 (40% exam): Programming and algorithm theory paper. Consists of questions relating to programming knowledge. Includes use of pseudocode and algorithms. Requires good problem-solving skills.

Unit 3 (20% non-exam component): Project-based programming task. Students are to program a solution to a proposed problem. This includes planning, designing, coding, testing and evaluating your software product.

Where can it lead?

Computing has a huge impact on the world around us. Computing is a specialist subject that prepares a student well in the world of programming and systems architecture. Computer Science is often chosen by students that want to pursue careers in web design, game design, database management, systems design and anything connected to programming. Away from these specialisms the topics and concepts within computing will improve maths skills, help to break down problems and will improve logical approach skills when tackling complex problems.