Computer Science A Level

The course is not about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language. Instead the emphasis is on computational thinking. Computational thinking is a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. Thinking computationally is an important life skill. Thinking computationally means using abstraction and decomposition. The study of computation is about what can be computed and how to compute it. Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world. For example, we may be computing with DNA at some stage in the future, with computer circuits made of genes. This leads to the question, does the natural world ‘compute’?

This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking, problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding the future challenges we face.

The A Level consists of three units. Unit 1 is a practical, on-screen examination which allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of the subject, focusing on programming through a problem-solving scenario using pre-release material. Unit 2 focuses on the hardware and software aspects of Computing and the social and economic consequences of Computing. The final unit is an internally assessed unit that assesses student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical problem using computing. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving.