As you move from GCSE to A Level, we cover many of the same key concepts, but in a much richer, considered way, with more emphasis on thinking analytically and applying your knowledge thoughtfully to different real-world scenarios.

Our small class sizes are vital to making this transition, as you will have plenty of access to individual support from our dedicated teachers, who are committed to providing regular, specific and constructive feedback throughout the course.

A Level content

• Computer systems – Develop your understanding of the components of a computer and their uses; types of software and methodologies used to develop them; how data is exchanged; how data is represented and stored and the use of algorithms; and the law and ethical issues that can arise.
• Algorithms and programming – By exploring computational thinking you will look at how computers solve problems and how programs can be written. You will study standard algorithms and use algorithms and programming to describe and solve problems.
• Programming project – You will select your own user-driven problem, through which you will gain an understanding of definition, investigation and analysis, software design, development and testing, documentation, evaluation and how to produce written reports.

AS Level content

• Computing principles – You will look at the characteristics of computer systems architecture; software and software development; the presentation, structure and management of data, how data is transmitted and networked, the characteristics of information systems, including databases and the implications of computer use.
• Algorithms and problem solving – You will learn about designing solutions to particular problems, computational thinking, how procedural programs are structured, types of data and data structures, common facilities of procedural languages, how to write maintainable programs and how to test and run solutions.

A Level assessment

• Computer systems: You will be assessed by a 2 hour 30 minutes written examination, comprising a mix of short-answer and longer-answer questions. (40% of the total marks)
• Algorithms and programming: You will be assessed by a 2 hour 30 minutes written examination, comprising a mix of short-answer and longer-answer questions and a scenario/task involving problem solving. (40% of the total marks)
• Non-examined assessment: Internally assessed and externally moderated Programming project. (20% of the total marks)

AS Level assessment

• Computing principles: You will be assessed in a 1 hour 15 minutes written examination, comprising a mix of short-answer and longer-answer questions. (50% of the total marks)
• Algorithms and problem solving: You will be assessed in a 1 hour 15 minutes written examination, comprising a mix of short-answer and longer-answer questions and a short scenario/task involving problem solving. (50% of the total marks)