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St John Rigby College

Computer Science

  • A Level
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Course content

Level

3

Introduction

The course has an emphasis on abstract thinking, problem solving, programming skills, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning and computational hardware. If you want an exciting career within the tech industry then this is the course for you!

Specific course entry requirements

College entry to include a minimum GCSE Mathematics grade 5. You do not need to have studied Computer Science at GCSE, (please refer to the Entry Requirements section for further details).

How will I be assessed?

  • 80%Examination
  • 20% Coursework

In the coursework component students are required to undertake an in depth programming project to solve a realistic problem which is worth 20% of the marks for the qualification.

What will I study?

You will acquire knowledge and understanding of software, system development, data and applications.

The course will focus on
  • Learning and investigating how programming concepts and techniques work in practice 
  • Algorithms, programming and efficiency of soft and search algorithms
  • Logic gates and Boolean algebra 
  •  Representing information in binary including negative numbers and decimals 
  • Security including cryptography and disaster recovery 
  • Databases and Big Data 
  • Programming skills in various languages  
The coursework will:
  • Develop your skills in analysis, design, software development, documentation, testing and evaluation of a system leading to a solution to the given problem
This will include:
  • Software development life cycle 
  • Analysing a business system and how it operates
  • Designing a new system to fix its problems and inefficiencies 
  • Prototyping and developing new software 
  • Testing software for bugs and functionality 
  • Evaluating the overall project 

Where will this course lead me?

This subject is ideal if you intend to go on to study Computer Science or Software Engineering at degree level. There are many related courses where knowledge of programming is an advantage. It is viewed as a challenging and rewarding subject, in the same way as Mathematics and Science A levels. 

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Nurturing rising talent

Our Elective Programme is designed to help you develop your gifts and interests as part of an enhanced level 3 programme. We will help you realise your potential by nurturing your talent and preparing you for study at the most prestigious universities or for progression to competitive higher-level apprenticeships. Your options range from our Honours Programme, which might include following a fourth A level, to specialist Futures Programmes that will support your career goals.

Level 2 entry requirements

If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.  

Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment. 

As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4. 

Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.

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