Curriculum
Computer science as a subject allows students to learn the academic principles that underpin computers and apply these to real-world systems. Computer Science is highly theoretical, but still allows for a lot of creativity due to the engineering disciplines it dips into. Students will develop skills to enable them to begin inventing innovative projects and programs.
Students will develop an understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. Students will also develop the skills to analyse problems computationally and utilise these skills in practical environments.
Computer Science develops each student’s creative, innovative, mathematical, analytical, logical, and critical thinking skills; students will begin to develop a new world view, enabling them to see the world through a ‘digital prism’ that will help them to identify the relationships between the technical and physical world.
Progression
Students completing this course can go onto study a bachelor’s degree in the following fields: Computer Science, Software Development, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Big Data, Networking, Game Development, and Cyber Security. Core Computer Science skills are highly sought-after, thus this A level will enable students to progress onto any computing based degree.
Careers
Core careers that are possible solely from the BTEC, without higher education, are: Teaching programming abroad, IT Consultancy, Junior developer roles, and apprenticeship roles within these fields.
Assessment
The AS Level is 100% external assessment. At the end of the AS Level are two examinations of 1 hour and 15 minutes, both examinations have a 50% grade weighting. The A Level comprises of two examinations of 2 hours and 30 minutes, both of which have a 40% grade weighting; the A level also includes a non-exam assessment that is internally assessed and moderated, this has a 20% grade weighting.
Additional Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English and Maths. Computer Science/Computing is preferable but not required.
Opportunities for work related activities
All current work-related activity proposals are subject to change. Students may get the opportunity to go to historic computing venues, such as Bletchley Park. The NEA of the A Level allows for collaboration with external companies, this can be used to gain work experience and insight into business practices.
