Computer Science A Level

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2027 ENTRY

Entry Requirements - Please follow the link and download our Options Guide to view the entry requirements for Sixth Form and individual subjects https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/thinking-about-joining-queen-elizabeths-grammar-school-for-sixth-form/

How to Apply:

Applications will open in November 2026.

Internals - Google Form - Speak to Mr Cowlam or Mrs Gossling

Externals - Through Kent Choices

https://www.queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk/learning/sixth-form/applying-to-the-sixth-form/

DEADLINE: Gaining a place at our Sixth Form is incredibly competitive. To ensure we can follow the correct processes for making offers and gathering information appropriately, the deadline for all applications, internal and external, will be Friday 26th February 2027 at 15.00.

Following this deadline, external applicants that are considered to have met the requirements for a Conditional Offer will receive a notification via Kent Choices. You will also be invited to an Online Application Meeting in March 2027. This meeting will be a compulsory stage of the application process and will provide details of the next steps and what is required to gain a place in our Sixth Form for September 2027. Any applicants that do not attend the meeting will have their Conditional Offer withdrawn.

External applicants that attend the meeting will retain their Conditional Offer and gain access to the next stage of the application process.

Internal Applicants have an automatic conditional offer. Following the deadline, students will attend a 1-2-1 meeting to discuss your options. You will not be able to make any changes to your subject choices until the Option Blocks have been created around the end of Term 5.

What to include in your application:

You must select a minimum AND maximum of 5 subject choices:

Option A - 3 main subject choices* + an enhancement subject choice** + a reserve subject choice***

Option B - 4 main subject choices + a reserve subject choice

*a main subject choice is a full A Level subject e.g Mathematics/Geography/Physics/German etc

** an enhancement subject choice is either EPQ, Maths in Context or Trinity Acting Exams

***a reserve choice can be either a full A Level or another enhancement option

Computer Science

A Level

AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Computer Science

Skills that will be developed:

This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding the future challenges that computer science can address.You will develop skills in logical, structured thinking, mathematics, efficiency and problem solving and your patience and persistence will be tested. This course is appropriate for anybody who enjoys finding the best solution to a problem.

There are 2 exams - one written and one practical.

There is also a project based coursework assessment.

You must achieve a grade 6 or higher in GCSE Computer Science. In addition a grade 6 or higher at GCSE Mathematics is recommended. Students who have not programmed in Python before will need to complete some independent study tasks.

What happens when you have finished?

This course is designed for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial – a topic high on the government agenda for education. One can study Computing and go on to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science.