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COMPUTER SCIENCE

Level: A Level 

Examination board: OCR

Specification: A Level 7408

CURRICULUM INTENT & VISION

The intent of the OCR A-Level Computer Science curriculum is to develop students' understanding and application of core principles and concepts in computer science. It aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of computer systems and networks. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education or careers in computer science and related fields by focusing on programming, algorithms, data structures, and the ethical, legal, and social impacts of digital technology.

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Vision Statement 

 

The vision of the OCR A-Level Computer Science curriculum is to inspire and empower students to become innovative thinkers and skilled practitioners in the digital world. By fostering curiosity, creativity, and resilience, the curriculum seeks to cultivate a new generation of computer scientists who are capable of using technology to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and contribute positively to society. The program emphasizes not only technical competence but also ethical considerations and the ability to think critically about the role of technology in our evolving world.

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THE AVANTI WAY

The Avanti Way statements for Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight (how we develop these within each subject).

DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Promote a Growth Mindset: students to view challenges and mistakes as opportunities for learning. Fostering resilience by promoting a culture where experimentation, persistence, and curiosity are valued.

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Real-World Problem Solving: Involving students in projects that require them to solve real-world problems, such as developing apps for social good or creating algorithms that optimize resources in underprivileged communities. This helps them see the relevance of their skills and motivates them to excel.

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Collaborative Learning: Facilitating group work, peer programming, and team-based projects. These activities help students develop communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to learn from others.

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Mentorship Programs: Connecting students with industry professionals, university researchers, or alumni who can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer feedback on academic and career paths.

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CHARACTER FORMATION

Ethics in Technology: Integrating lessons on the ethical implications of technology use, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence ethics, and the digital divide. Encouraging students to think critically about the societal impact of their work.

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Service-Oriented Projects: Encouraging projects that serve the community, such as creating software for non-profits, developing accessibility tools, or using technology to raise awareness of social issues. This promotes empathy, civic responsibility, and compassion.

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Integrity and Honesty: Emphasizing the importance of integrity in coding and data handling. Discussing the consequences of plagiarism, data breaches, and unethical hacking, fostering a culture of honesty and trustworthiness.

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Peer Support and Inclusion: Promoting an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel supported and encouraged, regardless of their background or skill level. This fosters humility, respect, and collaboration.

SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

Ethical Reflection: Encouraging students to reflect on the moral implications of their projects and technology in general. Discussing topics like the digital divide, AI ethics, and how technology can both serve and harm communities.

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Value-Based Discussions: Facilitating discussions on the values associated with computer science, such as creativity, innovation, perseverance, and using skills for the greater good. Highlighting how these values align with spiritual principles like compassion, kindness, and humility.

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Service Learning Opportunities: Combining computer science skills with service-oriented projects, such as creating websites for community organizations, developing educational tools for underfunded schools, or contributing to open-source projects that benefit society.

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Spiritual and Ethical Coding: Encouraging students to consider how their code or technology can promote fairness, justice, and positive social impact. For example, a project might focus on creating tools that help underserved communities or promote environmental sustainability.

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Encouraging Compassionate Peer Relationships: Developing a classroom culture where students support one another, share knowledge, and celebrate each other's successes. This creates an environment of kindness and mutual respect.

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Value-Based Recognition: Recognising not just academic excellence but also acts of kindness, service, integrity, and teamwork in computer science classes or clubs. Awards or recognition programs can highlight the importance of these values.

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Integrating Spiritual Themes in Learning: Providing opportunities for students to explore the deeper meaning of their studies. For example, discussions on questions like, "How can computer science be used to promote peace, justice, or community well-being?" or "What responsibilities do we have as creators and users of technology?"

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PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Order and timing of topics throughout KS5 for Computer Science:

Year 12 Units

Autumn Term 1

  • 1.2.4 Types of Programming Language

  • 1.2.5 Introduction to Programming

  • 2.1.1 Thinking Abstractly

  • 2.1.2 Thinking Ahead

  • 2.1.3 Thinking Procedurally

  • Python Programming: Chapter 1: Getting Started

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Autumn Term 2

  • 1.4.1 Data Types

  • 2.1.3 Thinking Procedurally

  • 2.1.4 Thinking Logically

  • NEA Completion of Project Proposal

  • NEA Completion of Gantt Chart

  • Python Programming: Chapter 2: What If

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Spring Term 1

  • 1.4.2 Data Structures

  • 2.1.5 Thinking Concurrently

  • 2.2.1 Programming Techniques

  • NEA Review of Product

  • Python Programming: Chapter 3: Loop the Loop

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Spring Term 2

  • 1.4.2 Data Structures

  • 2.2.2 Computational Methods

  • 2.3 Algorithms

  • NEA Review of Product

  • Python Programming: Chapter 3: Loop the Loop

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Summer Term 1

  • 1.3.2 Databases

  • 2.3 Algorithms

  • NEA Review of Product

  • Python Programming: Chapter 4: Subroutines

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Summer Term 2

  • 1.3.2 Databases

  • 1.3.4 Web Technologies

  • 1.4.3 Boolean Algebra

  • NEA Review of Product

  • NEA Completion of Product

  • Python Programming: Chapter 5: Data Structures

Year 13 Units

Autumn Term 1

  • 1.1.1 Structure and Function of the Processor

  • 1.2.2 Applications Generation

  • 1.3.1 Compression, Encryption and Hashing

  • 1.3.3 Networks

  • NEA Completion of 3.3 Developing the Coded Solution

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Autumn Term 2

  • 1.1.1 Structure and Function of the Processor

  • 1.1.2 Types of Processor

  • 1.2.3 Software Development NEA Aim to complete 3.2 Design of the Solution October

  • NEA Aim to complete 3.1. Analysis of the Problem November

  • NEA Aim to complete 3.4 Evaluation December

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Spring Term 1

  • 1.2.1 Systems Software

  • 1.1.3 Input, Output and Storage

  • 1.5 Legal Moral Cultural and Ethical Issues

  • NEA Final Hand-in of Project

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK 

We will use a range of assessments:

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  • Homework

  • 9 Formative Assessments

  • PiPs

  • Presentations

  • Quizzes

  • Multiple Choice Tests

  • Self & Peer Assessments

  • Retrieval Practice

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HOW PARENETS CAN HELP

  • BBC Click videos to enhance awareness of new technologies

  • Encourage reading of technology magazines such as “Hello”

  • Watch the news on television

  • Use of free programming websites such as Code Club & Trinket

  • Ensuring student is completing weekly homework

  • Student has a revision timetable

  • Becoming familiar with the Google Classroom.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

  • Where possible the department aims to organise enrichment for students where they can handle cutting edge technology and work with Engineers, Technologists and Scientists to explore computing beyond the classroom.

  • In Google Classroom students have been given a list of Extra Courses they can engage in independently.

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FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Computer Science offers a diverse range of career opportunities across various industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and entertainment. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is growing, providing graduates with numerous options to apply their skills creatively and impactfully.

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Here are some of the most popular and emerging careers in Computer Science:

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Software Developer/Engineer

Role: Design, develop, and maintain software applications for various platforms (desktop, web, mobile). Software developers write code, test software, and collaborate with other developers, designers, and product managers.

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Key Skills: Programming (e.g., Java, Python, C++, JavaScript), software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum), problem-solving, and teamwork.

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Industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, gaming, entertainment.

Data Scientist 

Role: Analyse complex data sets to help organizations make informed decisions. Data scientists use statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization tools to uncover

patterns and insights.

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Key Skills: Statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, Python/R, SQL, data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

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Industries: Finance, healthcare, marketing, e-commerce, research.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Role: Protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from cyber threats. Responsibilities include monitoring security systems, investigating breaches, and implementing security measures.

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Key Skills: Network security, ethical hacking, incident response, risk management, knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO).

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Industries: Government, finance, healthcare, technology, defence.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

Role: Design and develop AI models and algorithms, such as machine learning models or natural language processing systems. AI engineers work on applications like self-driving cars, virtual assistants, and recommendation systems.

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Key Skills: Machine learning, deep learning, Python, TensorFlow, natural language processing (NLP), data analysis.

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Industries: Technology, automotive, healthcare, finance, retail.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

Role: Design and develop AI models and algorithms, such as machine learning models or

natural language processing systems. AI engineers work on applications like self-driving cars,

virtual assistants, and recommendation systems.

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Key Skills: Machine learning, deep learning, Python, TensorFlow, natural language

processing (NLP), data analysis.

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Industries: Technology, automotive, healthcare, finance, retail.

Network and Systems Administrator

Role: Manage and maintain an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks,

and communication systems. They ensure the smooth operation of hardware and software and troubleshoot network issues.

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Key Skills: Networking (TCP/IP, DNS), server management, virtualization, cloud computing, problem-solving.

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Industries: Information technology, education, healthcare, government.

Network and Systems Administrator

Role: Manage and maintain an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks,

and communication systems. They ensure the smooth operation of hardware and software and troubleshoot network issues.

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Key Skills: Networking (TCP/IP, DNS), server management, virtualization, cloud computing, problem-solving.

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Industries: Information technology, education, healthcare, government.

Web Developer

Role: Design, build, and maintain websites and web applications. Web developers work with both front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end frameworks (Node.js, Django) to create responsive and user-friendly sites

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Key Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks (React, Angular, Vue), back-end development (Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Django), UX/UI design.

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Industries: Technology, media, marketing, e-commerce.

Web Developer 

Role: Design, build, and maintain websites and web applications. Web developers work with both front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and back-end frameworks (Node.js, Django) to create responsive and user-friendly sites.

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Key Skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks (React, Angular, Vue), back-end development (Node.js, Ruby on Rails, Django), UX/UI design.

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Industries: Technology, media, marketing, e-commerce.

E-RESOURCES

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EXCELLENCE. VIRTUE. DEVOTION

APPLY HERE

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