Hartismere School

Est. 1451. An outstanding coeducational secondary school & sixth form college and England's first academy

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A Level Computer Science

What is it all about?

A level Computer Science builds upon the knowledge and skills developed at GCSE by going into greater depth, particularly with the workings of the CPU, operating systems, web technologies and programming. We have had many successful students who have studied this without taking GCSE computer science, but it would be a steep learning curve.

What do we study?

The course is split into two units at AS (year 12) and three in year 13 for the full A level: 

1. Computer systems: What we learn about includes the workings of the CPU, how software is created and the different types of software, how data is stored and represented in computers, how data is transferred between computers and the impacts of technology.

2. Algorithms and programming: This is all about understanding computational thinking and programming. We do quite a bit of programming using C# to develop experience coding.

3. Programming project: In year 13, students have the opportunity to develop a piece of software of their choice for an end user. They will use an Agile methodology to design, implement and test the program. This is a substantial bit of work but allows students to massively develop their programming ability.

Why would it be useful?

Students have expressed how the problem solving they have developed in computer science has complimented work in other subjects. Even if not actively pursuing a career in the industry, knowledge of how computers operate can only help in the modern world. Every year we have students go on to study computer related subjects at university, degree apprenticeships or straight into employment. The range of careers in the computing industry is massive. There are industries within industries! You have software development, hardware development, database management, web development, cyber security, network management, and many more.

 

We follow the OCR specification

Taking A Level Computer Science

A Level CS: Algorithm Assembly Instructions

Toyota Virtual Plant Tour

How robots are taking over warehouse work

Coding Challenges for GCSE and A Level Computer Science

In this section...

CPU Fetch-Decode-Execute Animation

C# Yellow Book

Essential programming skills to learn

Sorting Visualiser

Programming software

GCSE Computer Science

Online Little Man Computer - CPU simulator

C# Cook Books

See also...

Binary addition 1

2025 Exam Preparation

Year 9 - cover videos for revision

Year 7

50 Things to Learn for Creative iMedia

Key Stage 3 practical sessions information - updated for February 2025

Year 10

Apprenticeships, Further Education, Higher Education

'Green' Careers that benefit the environment

Careers & Futures Programme Feedback - Parents

Explore...

Vertigo video essay - cinematic influence

Computerphile Sudoku Python

Candidate Information - Written exams

Using social media and examinations/assessments

Sixth Form Information Evening

Week beginning 4 Sep 2023: 'Life Lessons'

MegaProcessor - the largest CPU in the world

Homework - Digital Video #2

Application for Remission from Charges/School Uniform Support

Silver DofE First Aid and Expeditions Letter

New...

Friends of Hartismere School

Online safety newsletters

Local Governing Body Information

Useful Careers Websites

Ofsted report - February 2025

Do the Right Thing Scene Analysis

Friends of Hartismere School - Car Boot Sale

Hartismere Family :: Policy Documents

Discover...

ICT Computer Science A Level CS Student Information A Levels A Level Design Programming Theatre Staff Information Theory Prospectus Learning Governor Governance Sport PTA Friends Of Hartisemere Trustees Just For Fun ZEN GCSE

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