Greenhead College SF Greenhead College Sixth Form
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Computer Science

Why Study This Subject?

Computer Science is both logical and creative, combining invention with reasoning. It explores the world through a digital prism, challenging you to think critically and solve complex problems. Throughout the course, you will develop your understanding of computational thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving techniques.

Over 90% of our students progress to STEM-based university degrees or apprenticeships in areas such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Robotics, Cyber Security, Games Programming, and Software Engineering.

At GCSE, you will have most likely used Python for procedural programming. At A Level, you will continue to use Python to develop your procedural programming skills and Java to learn object-oriented programming. You will also work with HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL to create web applications.

Your coursework project can be developed using a programming language of your choice, or a combination of languages, allowing you to build on your strengths and interests as a programmer.

Topics You Will Cover

This course follows the OCR specification. Topics include:

  • Computer systems
  • Problem solving, programming and algorithms
  • Programming project component (NEA – non-examined assessment).

Programming languages covered are Python, C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and PHP.

Preparing for A Level Computer Science

If you would like to get a head start before joining Greenhead College, we recommend developing some basic skills in:

  • Python
  • Java
  • SQL
  • HTML5
  • CSS3
  • JavaScript

A great place to begin is W3Schools, which provides tutorials, examples, and interactive exercises covering a wide range of programming and web development technologies.

If you would like to focus on learning Python, there are many excellent tutorials available online. We particularly recommend the Python courses available through Codecademy.

Entry Guidelines

Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and either Grade 6 in Computer Science/Computing or sufficient experience of programming (if you did not study Computer Science at GCSE). We recommend you study A Level Mathematics alongside this subject.

Skills You Will Develop

Computing News