Computer Science A Level 3
Oakwood Park Grammar School
Oakwood Park, MAIDSTONE, ME16 8AH
Available start dates
Available start dates
Application Instructions
For students applying from other schools please see the information below.
For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions
Applications Open - 11th December 2025
Applications Close - 30th January 2026
Entry Requirements:-
Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).
In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.
Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.
Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria
How to Apply
Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.
Subject Choice
In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.
Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.
Course Summary
Linear course
Develop skills in:
- Computational Thinking – the kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines; what can be computed, programming and problem-solving including communication and networking
- The fundamental principles of the subject, focusing on programming through a problem-solving scenario
- The hardware and software aspects of Computing and the social and economic consequences of Computing
Course Details
1 Fundamentals of programming
2 Fundamentals of data structures
3 Fundamentals of algorithms
4 Theory of computation
5 Fundamentals of data representation
6 Fundamentals of computer systems
7 Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
8 Consequences of uses of computing
9 Fundamentals of communication and networking
10 Fundamentals of databases
11 Big Data
12 Fundamentals of functional programming
13 Systematic approach to problem solving
14 Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Paper 1 – tests a student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science from subject 1-4 above and the skills required from section 13 above.
Questions - Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an Electronic Answer Document
Assessed - On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A-level
Paper 2 - tests a student's ability to answer questions from subject content 5-12 above.
Questions - Compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions.
Assessed - Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes
40% of A-level
Non-Exam Assessment
Assesses student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving, as shown in section 13 above.
Assessed - 75 marks
20% of A-level
Students are assessed in school via modular tests, end of unit test and continued practical assessment.
Entry requirements
Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6
A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics
Grade 6 in GCSE Computing
Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.
Your next steps...
You could take this course with other advanced level courses to prepare for higher education in areas of 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.
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.