Assessment - A-Levels Computers
3 Assessment of OCR A Level in Computer Science
3a. Forms of assessment
Assessment structure
| Assessment area | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification structure | The A Level in Computer Science is a linear qualification with 100% terminal external assessment. This qualification consists of two examined components (01 and 02), externally assessed by OCR and one internally assessed and moderated non exam assessment component (03 or 04). Both examinations are of 2 hours and 30 minutes duration, each with a 40% weighting. The non-exam assessment component weighted at 20%. |
| Computer systems (Component 01) | Learners answer all the questions. There will be a mix of questions including short answer, longer answer and some higher tariff questions that will test the quality of extended responses. Marks for these responses are integrated into the marking criteria. The whole of the Computer systems content will be covered over the life of the specification. Questions may contain, for example, following and correcting algorithms and programs, software development and legal and moral issues. |
| Algorithms and programming (Component 02) | Learners answer all the questions in Section A and all questions in Section B. There will be a mix of questions including short answer, longer answer and some higher tariff questions that will test the quality of written responses via a level of response mark scheme. The whole of the Algorithms and programming content will be covered over the life of the specification. Section A will contain questions which may cover writing algorithms and computational methods, programming and programming techniques and problem solving. These questions may contain some shorter answer questions. Section B will have a scenario set at the start of the section; this will contain information that will be used for the questions that follow. The questions will be largely of a higher tariff with problem solving algorithms and programming again forming the basis. |
| Programming project (Component 03 or 04) | The programming project will be submitted in the form of a report that will contain the solution to a problem, selected by the learner or centre, written in a suitable programming language. Appendix 5e reproduced in this document gives a list of programming languages which OCR will accept. If the task demands another choice of language that does not appear in the list, the task outline, the details of the programming language and the reasons for the choice of this language should be submitted to OCR for consideration. Please contact computerscience@ocr.org.uk for further advice and guidance. Within the report the learner must demonstrate their ability to analyse, design, develop, test and document using the principles learnt in computational thinking. The report will be marked internally by the centre using the Programming project content in section 2c, in conjunction with the marking criteria in section 3e of this specification. It should then be sent to OCR for moderation. Learners who are retaking the qualification may carry forward their mark for the non exam assessment component (see Section 4a for the relevant entry code (H446 C)). |
3b. Assessment objectives (AO)
There are three assessment objectives in OCR's A Level in Computer Science. These are detailed in the table below.
Learners are expected to demonstrate their ability to:
Assessment objectives
| Assessment Objectives | |
|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation. |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science including to analyse problems in computational terms. |
| AO3 | Design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions. |
AO weightings in A Level in Computer Science
| Component | AO1 | AO2 | AO3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer systems (H446/01) | 21* | 9* | 10* | 40 |
| Algorithms and programming (H446/02) | 15* | 18* | 7* | 40 |
| Programming project (H446/03 or H446/04) | 0* | 3* | 17* | 20 |
| Total | 35* | 30* | 35* | 100 |
Values rounded to the nearest whole %.
4a. Pre-assessment
Estimated entries
| Estimated entries | Submission details |
|---|---|
| Estimated entries are your best projection of the number of learners who will be entered for a qualification in a particular series. | Estimated entries should be submitted to OCR by the specified deadline. They are free and do not commit your centre in any way. |
Final entries
| Final entries | Entry requirement |
|---|---|
| Final entries provide OCR with detailed data for each learner, showing each assessment to be taken. It is essential that you use the correct entry code, considering the relevant entry rules and ensuring that you choose the entry option for the moderation method you intend to use. | Final entries must be submitted to OCR by the published deadlines or late entry fees will apply. All learners taking A Level in Computer Science must be entered for one of the following entry options: |
Entry options
| Entry code | Title | Component code | Component title | Assessment type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H446 A | Computer Science (Moderated upload) | 01 | Computer systems | External Assessment |
| H446 A | Computer Science (Moderated upload) | 02 | Algorithms and programming | External Assessment |
| H446 A | Computer Science (Moderated upload) | 03 | Programming project (Moderated upload) | Non exam assessment (Moderated upload) |
| H446 B | Computer Science (Moderated postal) | 01 | Computer systems | External Assessment |
| H446 B | Computer Science (Moderated postal) | 02 | Algorithms and programming | External Assessment |
| H446 B | Computer Science (Moderated postal) | 04 | Programming project (Moderated postal) | Non exam assessment (Moderated postal) |
| H446 C* | Computer Science Non exam assessment (carried forward) | 01 | Computer systems | External Assessment |
| H446 C* | Computer Science Non exam assessment (carried forward) | 02 | Algorithms and programming | External Assessment |
| H446 C* | Computer Science Non exam assessment (carried forward) | 80 | Programming project (carried forward) | Non exam assessment (carried forward) |
Entry option H446 C should only be selected for learners who are retaking the qualification and who want to carry forward their mark for the non exam assessment.