Specification - A-Levels Computers
OCR's A Level in Computer Science
The OCR A Level in Computer Science will encourage learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course of study.
It will provide insight into, and experience of, how computer science works, stimulating learners' curiosity and encouraging them to engage with computer science in their everyday lives and to make informed choices about further study or career choices.
1c. What are the key features of this specification?
Key features
| The key features of this specification encourage | Centres and learners have the opportunity to |
|---|---|
| • emphasis on problem solving using computers • emphasis on computer programming and algorithms • emphasis on the mathematical skills used to express computational laws and processes, e.g. Boolean algebra/logic and comparison of the complexity of algorithms • less emphasis on ICT. | • produce a slimmed down programming project which is more refined and more focussed on coding • choose the project title and problem to be solved • choose any suitable programming language • include agile methods. |
2 The specification overview
Learners must take three components (01, 02 and 03 or 01, 02 and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Computer Science.
2a. Overview of A Level in Computer Science (H446)
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|---|---|
| • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues • Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification. • Analysis of the problem • Design of the solution • Developing the solution • Evaluation | Computer systems (01) 140 marks 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40% of total A level Algorithms and programming (02*) 140 marks 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper (no calculators allowed) 40% of total A level Programming project 03* - Moderated upload or 04* - Moderated postal or 80 - Carry forward (2018 onwards)* 70 marks Non-exam assessment 20% of total A level |
Assessment components
| Component | Content assessed | Marks and duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer systems (01) | Characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. | 140 marks; 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper; no calculators allowed | 40% of total A level |
| Algorithms and programming (02*) | Elements of computational thinking; problem solving and programming; algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms. | 140 marks; 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper; no calculators allowed | 40% of total A level |
| Programming project (03*, 04* or 80*) | Analysis of the problem; design of the solution; developing the solution; evaluation. | 70 marks; non-exam assessment | 20% of total A level |