Computer Science A-level

• At least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above all from the core subjects, including English
• Grade 6 in Maths
• If you took Computer Science, minimum of grade 4
• If you don’t have GCSE Computer Science you need an average GCSE Grade of 6.5 or higher

You’ll learn Computer Science through a mix of practical coding, structured theory lessons, problem-solving activities, and independent project work. Lessons combine teacher-led instruction, group work, and individual challenges, designed to help you become a confident and independent developer.

At the start of the course, you’ll focus on learning how to program in C#, working on hands-on tasks that increase in complexity over time. You’ll work individually and in pairs to write code, debug errors, and design software to solve real problems. These early experiences help you build core skills in logic, precision, and resilience.

Theory lessons involve a mix of explanation, discussion, and applied tasks. You’ll learn how data is represented, how computer hardware and software work together, and how computers connect and communicate. You’ll regularly complete exam-style questions to apply what you’ve learned and prepare for assessment.

You’ll also complete independent research tasks, take part in whole-class discussions on the impact of computing on society, and explore new technologies as they emerge. Homework includes coding tasks, reading, and short written exercises, reinforcing what you’ve covered in class.

In the second year, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned in a substantial individual software development project, choosing a real problem to solve and following the full development lifecycle — from analysis and design to testing and evaluation. This project gives you a taste of what it’s like to work as a professional developer and is excellent preparation for university or apprenticeships.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop:

• Programming skills using C#
• Problem-solving and algorithmic thinking
• Analytical and logical reasoning
• Independent learning and project management
• Confidence in using computing to solve real-world problems

At the end of the second year, you will sit two exams both lasting 2.5 hours.

• Paper One is an on-screen exam and includes programming theory and practical programming.
• Paper Two is a written exam and including questions on computing theory.

Both exam papers are worth 40% each of your A Level

During the second year, you will complete a Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) project, which is worth 20% of your A-level.

The NEA is an individual coursework project where students:

• Devise their own problem to solve (this could be based on a real-world scenario or an area of personal interest)
• Design, develop, and test a complete solution, typically in the form of a software application
• Use any programming language, although support in lessons will primarily be given in C#

The project involves several stages, including:

• Analysis: identifying the problem and requirements
• Design: planning how the solution will work
• Development: writing and building the program
• Testing and evaluation: checking the solution works correctly and reviewing its effectiveness

This project encourages independence, creativity, and the application of programming and computational thinking skills developed throughout the course.

Students are typically expected to purchase:

• A workbook and course booklets to support learning and revision. There are various course booklets but the main textbook is around £45.
• A USB pen drive for storing and transporting coursework and programming projects

In addition, it is highly recommended that students have access to a suitable computer or laptop at home, capable of running Microsoft Visual Studio for C# console programming, in line with the device specifications outlined previously.

While many resources may be provided by the school or college, having these items will help students fully engage with the course and complete independent study effectively.

Cirencester College is offering ‘Bring Your Own Device’ guidelines, in order to encourage digital literacy and make the most of how digital devices can support learning in the classroom and independent study. Please find below some specific guidance for this subject but do be aware that each subject will have it’s own guidance. If you are taking more than one course (eg A levels, GCSE etc), check the guidance for each subject carefully. If you do decide to invest in a device, consider something that will cover the requirements of all the courses you are taking. Also, bear in mind that some students change their mind about the courses they are studying within the first few weeks of year one; after this time programmes of study should be settled.

Classrooms for AL Computer Science are well equipped with desktop PCs. As a consequence, it is not necessary to BYOD for study in the classroom in this course, in fact we would discourage students from BYOD in the classroom.

However, independent study is a crucial component of Computer Science and students should expect to have to spend a significant amount of time programming as part of their independent study. A large part of the assessment is an NEA which requires a lot of time on a PC or laptop outside of the classroom. For independent study, having access to a laptop or desktop at home is a good option. We would ideally recommend a laptop because students would then be able to do some independent work when at college but not in lessons. (Students on this course have a number of ‘free periods’ in which time independent study across their subjects can be undertaken.) However, if a student has access to a PC at home, and you would prefer not to invest in another laptop, it is possible, albeit sometimes less convenient, to access the various desktops which are in study spaces around college, subject to availability. We do find that students who have their own laptop are more likely to make the most of their independent study time…providing they use their devices sensibly!

Windows machines are preferable to Apple (macOS) in STEM subjects. Lecturers use windows and will use this platform to demonstrate processes, tasks etc in the classroom. All computer-based assessments are conducted on Windows machines; regularly working on macOS could disadvantage students who would be less familiar with windows during assessments. We find the range of machines (incl. touchscreen) and software available, alongside budget considerations make windows the preferred option.

AQA