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Computer Science

Why study Computer Science at Tapton?

An A Level in Computer Science gives students essential knowledge, problem solving skills and skills in demand across all sectors.

Enrichment Activities
Our key enrichment activity is to connect our students with employers and industry, through work experience opportunities, talks, digital events, hackathons, trips and workshops. We are also keen for students to support learning in Lower School Computer Science Classes, help at Computing Clubs and taking part in any Computer Science events or projects.

Career Opportunities
Specific computer based roles that’s students can aim towards are Applications developer, Cyber security analyst, Data analyst, Database administrator, Forensic computer analyst, Game designer/developer, Information systems manager, IT consultant, Machine learning engineer, Multimedia programmer, Penetration tester, SEO specialist, Software engineer, Systems analyst, UX designer and IOT engineer and designer and let’s not forget research and development in universities and of course teaching.

What are the Entry Requirements?

GCSE Grade 6 in Computer Science and GCSE 6 in Maths. 

What else is required?

You are enthusiastic, open-minded and willing to learn new skills and techniques. You are inquisitive and enjoy Computer Programming from designing and creating websites to creating Apps and Programmes. You enjoy working as part of a group, but can work independently. You are determined and will work to ensure you succeed. You understand the need for resilience and always wanting to learn more by putting in the time and effort, coaching lower school students and getting involved in Computer Science Projects within the school.

What other subjects link well?

Computer Science involves many transferable skills, not least problem solving, communicating ideas and concepts, developing creative ideas, refining and testing ideas and realising those ideas. In addition, an A Level Computer Science ties in well with all the STEM subjects but can also be combined with Arts, Social Sciences and the Humanities.

Exam Board

OCR

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the course students will take part in peer-group and self-assessment in order to familiarise themselves with the Assessment Objectives, and become more objective in their skills of critique.

Each half term students have a formal assessment, which is marked and then fed back on in the lesson. 

Staff review work with students on a one-to-one basis regularly, giving support, feedback, and set targets for improvement and progression. 

All exam units are externally assessed. The coursework unit is marked by the teacher and marks are moderated by an assessor from OCR.

what will i study - As level 

The content of the AS Level in Computer Science is divided into two components:

1, Computing Principles Component 50% of marks 
Contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.

2.  Algorithms and Problem Solving Component 50% of marks 
Relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in the Computing principles component. 

Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of the two components and assessed in the written papers where appropriate. 

What will i study - A level 

The content of the A Level in Computer Science is divided into three components:

1.  Computer Systems Component 40% of marks 
Contains the majority of the content of the specification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.

2. Algorithms and Programming Component 40% of marks 
Relates principally to problem solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding encountered in Component 1.

3. Programming Project Component  20% of marks
A practical portfolio based assessment with a task that is marked using levels of response style mark schemes and in the Evaluation section of the Programming project component.