Computer Science A Level

Applications Open: - 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th January 2026

How to Apply: - via Kent Choices

Entry Requirements: - Students must meet the following academic criteria:

(a) Applicants must achieve at least an average GCSE grade of 5.7 from eight subjects (this must include at least one modern foreign language, at least one science and at least one humanity).

(b) Applicants must also have GCSE Mathematics and at least one English GCSE at a minimum of grade 5.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants wishing to be accepted on to a particular subject must achieve the requirements set down for that particular course in the Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/admission/sixth-form-entry/

All students study 4 A Levels in Year 12 (Choose 5 subjects on the application form, with the 5th being a reserve). It is important that students refer to the 6th Form Curriculum booklet to ensure that they choose their courses appropriately. (There is the option to drop one of these subjects at the end of Year 12 and undertake an EPQ).

We do not require applicants to write a Personal Statement.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Alongside our extensive A level offering, students are offered the opportunity to gain an Extended Project Qualification (Level 3). This research based qualification is an ideal way to prepare ahead of further academic studies and / or the working world. Students are able to research, plan and realise a 5000 word study on a topic of their choosing. Topics are wide ranging. Many students choose to explore topics that either complement their interests and academic studies or create a bridge to future career aspirations, for example in law or medicine. An EPQ provides ideal content for CVs, university applications and is worth up to 28 UCAS points. Importantly, many universities will lower their offer to students studying an EPQ because they recognise the skills and expertise students gain from studying an EPQ.

Computer Science at A Level is good preparation for many university courses and goes well with Mathematics and the Sciences; students can study Computer Science and also go on to a career in Medicine, Law, Business, Politics, Engineering or any type of Science. The emphasis of this course is on being a developer of computer systems rather than just a user. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the principles of what goes on inside a computer system – hardware, software and networking. It includes programming in theory and practice.

The course is not about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language. Instead the emphasis is on computational thinking; a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. A Level programming involves grasping many new and exciting concepts and paradigms. You will be expected to spend time doing practical work outside lessons and in private study periods.

The full A Level course follows a two year programme. During the two years, you will cover a range of technical topics including fundamentals of programming, data structures, data representation, communications and networks and Computer System Architecture. Students will be encouraged to solve problems and to increase their computational thinking. The principle programming language we use is VB.net, but students will gain practical experience of logical, functional and Object Oriented programming paradigms.

During Year 13, you will complete a Non-Examined Assessment that assesses your ability to use the knowledge and skills, gained through the course, to solve and investigate a real practical problem. This NEA contributes 20% of the final assessment.

As above.

A Grade 7 or above in GCSE Computer Science. If you did not take GCSE Computer Science, you should be able to demonstrate that you can programme in a high level language (such as VB.net, Python, Pascal) up to GCSE standard. Also, at least Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English.

You could take this course with other Advanced Level courses to prepare for Higher Education in areas of Computer Science, Computing and Information Technology or more general Higher Education courses as the course offers skills that are useful in lots of subjects. With further training, you could go into a job directly related to Computing such as a Computer Programmer, ICT Technician or Website Developer. The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge for entering today's workforce across many industries who depend on computers and technology more generally.