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International A Level Computer Science Course

International A Level Computer Science qualification helps you to understand the core academic principles of computer science.

Our A Level will develop your technical understanding and the ability to analyse and solve problems using computational thinking.

General Certificate of Education in Computer Science

Enrolment Fee:

£495.00

Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout

  • Cambridge
  • Full recognised qualification
  • IAS and/or IA2 Content Available
  • Enrol & start studying anytime.
  • Up to 24 months support
  • 360 Study Hours
  • Fast track available
  • Access to the online portal 24/7
  • eBooks provided
  • Practice exam papers
  • Predicted grade & reference
  • Same qualification as college

Description

This International A Level Computer Science Distance Learning course is engaging and practical, encouraging creativity and problem solving.

It will encourage learners to develop their understanding and application of the core concepts in computer science. Learners will also analyse problems in computational terms and devise creative solutions by designing, writing, testing and evaluating programs.

The chosen programming language for this course is Python where you will be taught this from scratch.

Progression

Achieving an A Level in Computer Science will increase your chances of progressing onto University.  It is also a valuable qualification to gain if you are seeking employment in this field afterwards.  Some large corporations will take on candidates with good grades in A Levels providing further training and progression.

Other subjects which will complement this course include A Level Mathematics, Physics & Information Technology.

Cambridge Specfication

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9618

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: June & November 

This A’ Level Computer Science Course will provide you with a general understanding and perspective of the development of computer technology and systems, which will inform your decisions and support your participation in an increasingly technological dependent society.

This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of computer science through entry to higher education and also provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in areas that use computer science.

How will I benefit from the International A Level Computer Science Cambridge course?

The aims of this course are to enable learners to develop:

  • computational thinking skills
  • an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers
  • an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communication and people
  • an understanding of the different methods of communication and the functionality of networks and the internet
  • the skills necessary to apply this understanding to develop computer based solutions to problems.

Key Concepts

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science are:

Computational thinking

Computational thinking is a set of fundamental skills that help produce a solution to a problem. Skills such as abstraction, decomposition and algorithmic thinking are used to study a problem and design a solution that can be implemented. This may involve using a range of technologies and programming languages.

Programming paradigms

A programming paradigm is a way of thinking about or approaching problems. There are many different programming styles that can be used, which are suited to unique functions, tools and specific situations. An understanding of programming paradigms is essential to ensure they are used appropriately, when designing and building programs.

Communication

Communication is a core requirement of computer systems. It includes the ability to transfer data from one device or component to another and an understanding of the rules and methods that are used in this data transfer. Communication could range from the internal transfer of data within a computer system, to the transfer of a video across the internet.

Computer architecture and hardware

Computer architecture is the design of the internal operation of a computer system. It includes the rules that dictate how components and data are organised, how data are communicated between components, to allow hardware to function. There is a range of architectures, with different components and rules, that are appropriate for different scenarios.  All computers comprise of a combination of hardware components, ranging from internal components, such as the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and main memory, to peripherals. To produce effective and efficient programs to run on hardware, it is important to understand how the components work independently and together to produce a system that can be used. Hardware needs software to be able to perform a task. Software allows hardware to become functional. This enables the user to communicate with the hardware to perform tasks.

Data representation and structures

Computers use binary and understanding how a binary number can be interpreted in many different ways is important. Programming requires an understanding of how data can be organised for efficient access and/or transfer.

Cambridge Computer Science Content Overview

YEAR 1 – IAS

  1. Information representation
  • Data Representation
  • Multimedia – Graphics, sounds
  • Compression
  1. Communication
  • Networks including the internet
  1. Hardware
  • Computers and their components
  • Logic Gates and Logic Circuits
  1. Processor Fundamentals
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) Architecture
  • Assembly Language
  • Bit manipulation
  1. System Software
  • Operating System
  • Language Translators
  1. Security, privacy and data integrity
  • Data Security
  • Data Integrity
  1. Ethics and Ownership
  • Ethics and Ownership
  1. Databases
  • Database Concepts
  • Database Management System (DBMS)
  • Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
  1. Algorithm Design and Problem-Solving
  • Computational Thinking Skills
  • Algorithms
  1. Data Types and structures
  • Data types and Records
  • Arrays
  • Files
  • Introduction to Abstract Data Types (ADT)
  1. Programming
  • Programming Basics
  • Constructs
  • Structured Programming
  1. Software Development
  • Program Development Lifecycle
  • Program Design
  • Program testing and maintenance

YEAR 2 – IA2

  1. Data Representation
  • User-defined data types
  • File organisation and access
  • Floating-point numbers, representation and manipulation
  1. Communication and internet technologies
  • Protocols
  • Circuit switching, packet switching
  1. Hardware and Virtual Machines
  • Processers, Parallel Processing and Virtual Machines
  • Boolean Algebra and Logic Circuits
  1. System Software
  • Purposes of an Operating System (OS)
  • Translation Software
  1. Security
  • Encryption, Encryption Protocols and Digital certificates
  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Artificial Intelligence
  1. Computational thinking and problem solving
  • Algorithms
  • Recursion
  1. Further Programming
  • Programming Paradigms
  • File Processing and Exception Handling

Cambridge Assessment

There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Computer Science course with Cambridge

  1. AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
  2. Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.  In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4).  If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Computer Science.
  3. Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).

Exam Papers

Paper 1: Theory Fundamentals

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: Will assess sections 1 to 8 of the syllabus content.

75 marks

Paper 2: Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills

Time: 2 hours

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: will assess sections 9 to 12 of the syllabus content.

Candidates will need to write answers in pseudocode.

75 marks

Paper 3: Advanced Theory

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview. Paper 3 will assess sections 13 to 20 of the syllabus content.

75 marks

Paper 4: Practical

Practical examination: 2 hours 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: Paper 4 will assess sections 19 to 20 of the syllabus content, except for low-level and declarative programming.

Candidates will submit complete program code and evidence of testing.

Candidates will be required to use either Java, VB.NET or Python programming languages.

75 marks

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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