COMPUTER SCIENCE A Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

This course focus on the knowledge, understanding and the skills you need to progress to higher education or thrive in the workplace. It provides you with a deeper understanding that goes beyond the actual technology.

It aims on nurturing confidence and competence in the practical use of computer-based systems to develop solutions for real-world problems. You will develop applications in one of the following computer languages: C#, Python, Java or Visual Basic. This qualification will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of the modern world

Studying computer science at A level is challenging, but it is also highly rewarding. There are very few jobs that do not involve the use of computers and having a good understanding of the science behind them will effectively prepare you for further study or employment.

No previous computing experience is required for this course. It is much more important to be a logical thinker and to enjoy solving puzzles and problems.

A-level exposes students to:

• Key programming paradigms

• Advanced data structures

• Traversal, search, sort and optimisation algorithms and their efficiency

• Engaging approach to moral, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks from perspective of a computer scientist devising algorithms and writing code

• Opportunities to explore and engage with the changing technology scene: scaling issues, Cloud services, Big Data, cheap programmable devices such as the Raspberry Pi.

• On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks – 40% of grade

• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks – 40% of grade

• Practical problem coursework: 75 marks - 20% of grade

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Learn the language of the future! Grow your knowledge of how technology is created and the appreciation you have for solving problems and build your career path.

The course can lead to a degree in Computer Science. From there you can progress into such careers as: applications development; computer forensics; cyber security; games development; hardware engineering; multimedia programming; software engineering; systems/network management; mechanical support; and web design/development.

It is strongly recommended that you take A Level Mathematics if you wish to study Computer Science at university. A Level Computer Science also complements A Level Physics and Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics is a popular combination