Why choose an OCR A Level in
Computer Science?
Computer Science is a practical subject where
learners can apply the academic principles
learned in the classroom to real world
systems.
It is an intensely creative subject that
combines invention and excitement, and can
look at the natural world through a digital
prism.
OCR A Level in Computer Science will value
computational thinking, helping you to
develop the skills to solve problems, design
systems and understand the power and limits
of human and machine intelligence.
You will develop an ability to analyse,
critically evaluate and make decisions. The
project approach is a vital component of
‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance
to Further Education, Higher Education and
the workplace. Everyone is able to tailor their
project to fit their individual needs, choices
and aspirations.
CONTENT
OVERVIEW
 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
 Elements of
computational
thinking
 Problem solving
and
programming
 Algorithms
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Computer
systems (01)
of total
AS Level
140 marks
2 ½ hour
written
paper
Algorithms
and
programming
(02*)
140 marks
2 ½ hour
written
paper
There will be a
choice of two
computing problems
to work through
 Analysis of the
problem
 Design the
solution
 Developing the
solution
 Evaluation
50%
Programming
project (03*
or 04**)
70 marks
40%
of total
A Level
50%
of total
AS Level
40%
of total
A Level
20%
of total
A Level
Non exam
assessment
OCR Level 3
Advanced GCE in
Computer Science
(H446)
Specification
The key features of this specification
encourage:
 emphasis on problem solving using
computers
 emphasis on computer programming
and algorithms
 emphasis on the mathematical skills
used to express computational laws
and processes, e.g. Boolean
algebra/logic and comparison of the
complexity of algorithms
 less emphasis on ICT.
This is a linear qualification – all components
by examination must be taken in a single
year.
There will be one examination series
available each year in June to all learners.
Therefore an AS Level can be achieved.
This specification will be certificated from the
June 2017 examination series onwards.
* Indicates synoptic assessment
** Learners who are re-taking the qualification may carry forward their
mark for the non exam assessment component (04)
C:\Users\administrator\Documents\Website Uploads\Subjects\Subject Sections (website)\Subject Sections (website)\Computer Science\GCE Computer Science Booklet.docx
 understand the principles of solving
problems by computational methods
 be able to use algorithms to describe
problems
 be able to analyse a problem by
identifying its component parts.
Content of Computer systems
(Component 01)
This will introduce you to the internal
workings of the CPU, the exchanging of data
and also looks at software development, data
types and legal and ethical issues. This
knowledge will be used when studying
computational thinking, developing
programming techniques and devising their
own programming approach in the
Programming project component (03 or 04).
You will be expected to apply the criteria
below in different contexts including current
and future uses of the technologies.
1.1 The characteristics of contemporary
processors, input, output and storage
devices
1.2 Software and software development
1.3 Exchanging data
1.4 Data types, data structures and
algorithms
1.5 Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
Content of Algorithms and
programming (Component 02)
This component will incorporate and build on
the knowledge and understanding gained in
the Computer systems component (01).
In addition, you should:
 understand what is meant by
computational thinking
 understand the benefits of applying
computational thinking to solving a
wide variety of problems
What careers can Computer
Science lead to?
Studying A Level Computer Science will
enable you to study a range of subjects at
university. This subject is highly recognised by
2.1
2.2
2.3
Elements of computational thinking
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms
the Russell Group Universities.
Jobs directly related to careers using a degree
in computer science include:
Content of non exam
assessment Programming
project (Component 03 or 04)
You will be expected to analyse, design,
develop, test, evaluate and document a
program written in a suitable programming
language. The underlying approach to the
project is to apply the principles of
computational thinking to a practical coding
problem.
While the project assessment criteria are
organised into specific categories, it is
anticipated that the final report will
document the agile development process and
elements for each of the assessment
categories will appear throughout the report.
3.1. Analysis of the problem (10 marks)
3.2. Design of the solution (15 marks)
3.3. Developing the solution (25 marks)
3.4. Evaluation (20 marks)

Database administrator

Games developer

Information systems manager

IT consultant

Multimedia programmer

Network engineer

Systems analyst

Systems developer
Jobs where your degree would be useful
include:

Geographical information systems officer

IT sales professional

IT trainer

Secondary school teacher

Technical author
This is a challenging, rewarding and highly
recognised qualification.
C:\Users\administrator\Documents\Website Uploads\Subjects\Subject Sections (website)\Subject Sections (website)\Computer Science\GCE Computer Science Booklet.docx