GCE A Level in Computer Science
at The Bishop'S Stortford High School, Bishop's Stortford · school or sixth form
What the college says
The Computing specification has been designed for students who wish to go on to Higher Education or into employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial. Computing is not concerned with simply learning how to use applications or programming languages. Instead, abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking are emphasised. The Visual Basic.NET programming language is taught in lessons and used to answer questions and complete tasks for examinations and coursework. A2 Level Topics Unit 1: 1 Fundamentals of programming 2 Fundamentals of data structures 3 Fundamentals of algorithms 4 Theory of computation A2 Level Topics Unit 2: 5 Fundamentals of data representation 6 Fundamentals of computer systems 7 Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture 8 Consequences of uses of computing 9 Fundamentals of communication and networking 10 Fundamentals of databases 11 Big Data 12 Fundamentals of functional programming Non-exam assessment: The non-exam assessment assesses a student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve a practical problem.
What you need to get on
Overall Pathway requirements: 3 A levels - at least 44 from your best 8 GCSEs (and at least grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature) or BTEC and 1 A level - at least 34 points from your best 8 GCSES (and at least grade 5 in Mathematics and English Language or Literature) plus subject requirement: Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science or, if not studied, Grade 5 in GCSE Maths
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
The Bishops Stortford High School
Beaumont Avenue, Bishops Stortford, CM23 4SH
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Bishops Stortford
- 1 September 2027 · Bishops Stortford
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