Students will gain knowledge and understanding of Computer Studies by studying the key topics – see ‘Key Topics’ section below. Students gain technical skills, as well as being able to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions. Studying A Level Computer Science will help students appreciate computing technologies, how they can be used and the potential risks.
1. Theory Fundamentals
1.1 Information representation
1.1.1 Number representation
1.1.2 Images
1.1.3 Sound
1.1.4 Video
1.1.5 Compression techniques
1.2 Communication and Internet technologies
1.2.1 Networks
1.2.2 IP addressing
1.2.3 Client- and server-side scripting
1.3 Hardware
1.3.1 Input, output and storage devices
1.3.2 Main memory
1.3.3 Logic gates and logic circuits
1.4 Processor fundamentals
1.4.1 CPU architecture
1.4.2 The fetch-execute cycle
1.4.3 The processor’s instruction set
1.4.4 Assembly language
1.5 System software
1.5.1 Operating system
1.5.2 Utility programs
1.5.3 Library programs
1.5.4 Language translators
1.6 Security, privacy and data integrity
1.6.1 Data security
1.6.2 Data integrity
1.7 Ethics and ownership
1.7.1 Ethics
1.7.2 Ownership
1.8 Database and data modelling
1.8.1 Database Management Systems (DBMS)
1.8.2 Relational database modelling
1.8.3 Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
2. Fundamental Problem-Solving and Programming
2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving
2.1.1 Algorithms
2.1.2 Structure chart
2.1.3 Corrective maintenance
2.1.4 Adaptive maintenance
2.2 Data representation
2.2.1 Data types
2.2.2 Arrays
2.2.3 Files
2.3 Programming
2.3.1 Programming basics
2.3.2 Transferable skills
2.3.3 Selection
2.3.4 Iteration
2.3.5 Built-in functions
2.3.6 Structured programming
2.4 Software development
2.4.1 Programming
2.4.2 Program testing
2.4.3 Testing strategies
3. Advanced Theory
3.1 Data representation
3.1.1 User-defined data types
3.1.2 File organisation and access
3.1.3 Real numbers and normalised floating-point representation
3.2 Communication and Internet technologies
3.2.1 Protocols
3.2.2 Circuit switching, packet switching and routers
3.2.3 Local Area Networks (LAN)
3.3 Hardware
3.3.1 Logic gates and circuit design
3.3.2 Boolean algebra
3.3.3 Karnaugh Maps
3.3.4 Flip-flops
3.3.5 RISC processors
3.3.6 Parallel processing
3.4 System software
3.4.1 Purposes of an operating system (OS)
3.4.2 Virtual machine
3.4.3 Translation software
3.5 Security
3.5.1 Asymmetric keys and encryption methods
3.5.2 Digital signatures and digital certificates
3.5.3 Encryption protocols
3.5.4 Malware
3.6 Monitoring and control systems
3.6.1 Overview of monitoring and control systems
3.6.2 Bit manipulation to monitor and control device
Computer, broadband internet connection
It is the parents’ responsibility to arrange their child’s examinations; our teachers will provide all the support required. Most students will sit their examination papers at a school or college who accept private candidates. Some students sit their examinations at private examination centres.
If you are intending to study A Level Computer Science, we recommend that you spend some time in the summer holidays preparing.
Work through the Java Script tutorials on W3 Schools: JavaScript Tutorial
What skills will students develop in the A Level Computer Science online course?
The A Level Computer Science online course is designed to help students enhance their computational thinking and problem-solving skills. They will learn how to develop solutions using algorithms and various programming languages. Students will also understand the ethical considerations that accompany current and emerging technologies.
What topics are covered in the Computer Science A Level course?
The course dives into various subjects such as information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these areas, helping students gain both knowledge and practical skills.
What is the assessment structure for the online Computer Science A Level?
Students in the sixth form are required to complete a minimum of one piece of homework per subject weekly. Internal assessments occur in June, November, and March. Reports are then issued twice a year and comprise grades for both attainment and effort, accompanied by written feedback from the educators.
How is progress monitored in the Computer Science A Level online course?
Parents can engage in continuous dialogue with teachers through their family Teams account, which allows for more thorough tracking of a student’s progress throughout the year compared to a single annual consultation evening.
What equipment is needed for the Computer Science A Level online course?
Students will require a computer and a broadband internet connection to participate in the course.