Hartismere School

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

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Taking A Level Computer Science

Two most important questions

Can I study A level computer science if I have not studied it at GCSE?

Many students ask this question. The answer is always ‘yes… but…’. Computer Science requires a lot of programming - it's one of the reasons we insist on a grade 6 in maths or a grade 6 in computer science. If you don’t like programming, you will hate it. There is also quite a bit of complex theory and those who study at GCSE will have a basic understanding of most of it. To be brutally honest, most of the students who have taken computer science after not studying at GCSE have found it a step too far and have not achieved as they would have expected. If you want to be successful, it would be a good idea to prepare a little first, both in terms of programming and theory. 

What can I do to prepare for A level computer science?

The most useful way of preparing would be to improve your skills in programming. Understanding how programming works will help to make everything else in the course make sense. It is also best learnt independently, unlike theory. The programming language we use to create software is C#, with a bit of HTML, CSS and JavaScript for web development. Any work you can do in these would be very beneficial. Below are some links that will be useful: 

In this section...

Coding Challenges for GCSE and A Level Computer Science

A Level CS: Algorithm Assembly Instructions

Toyota Virtual Plant Tour

How robots are taking over warehouse work

See also...

Careers Information for Parents

Service & Leadership

GCSE PAST PAPERS -ADDED FEB 2025

C# Cook Books

Technology and Food Studies

Careers in Chemistry

50 Things to Learn for Creative iMedia

Careers Fair - 14 March 2024

I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science programme

Essential programming skills to learn

Explore...

What happens to your examination script?

The Lost Boys opening

theoutdoorscompany Kit Order form

Learnit Physics Unit 7: Magnets

Hartismere Family Privacy Notice

Candidate Information - Non-examination assessments

On your exam day

Silver DofE First Aid and Expeditions Letter

1.2.3 Programming techniques Test #1

The Lost Boys Revision

New...

How Ofcom is helping children to be safer online – a guide for parents

Joint letter from Ofqual and UCAS to students, summer 2025

Online safety newsletters

Computer Science

Expressionism

Admissions and Application Forms :: Main School and Sixth Form

Sixth Form Course Information

Film post-production explained

Discover...

Robmiles.Com Student Information A Level A Level CS GCSE Computer Science GCSE CS Film Studies Creative iMedia Key Stage 3 Job Adverts Attack The Block Keystage 5 Health and Social Care Hartismere Information District 9 Art Clubs And Activities Applications Physical Education School Nurse Farrand On Film

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