GCE A Level in Computer Science
at Maidstone Grammar School, Maidstone · school or sixth form
What the college says
Computer Science at A Level is good preparation for many university courses and goes well with Mathematics and the Sciences; students can study Computer Science and also go on to a career in Medicine, Law, Business, Politics, Engineering or any type of Science. The emphasis of this course is on being a developer of computer systems rather than just a user. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the principles of what goes on inside a computer system: hardware, software and networking. It includes programming in theory and practice. The course is not about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language. Instead the emphasis is on computational thinking; a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. A-Level programming involves grasping many new and exciting concepts and paradigms. You will be expected to spend time doing practical work outside lessons and in private study periods. The full A Level course follows a two-year programme. During the two years, you will cover a range of technical topics including fundamentals of programming, data structures, data representation, communications and networks and Computer System Architecture. Students will be encouraged to solve problems and to increase their computational thinking. The principle programming language we use is VB.net, but students will gain practical experience of logical, functional and Object Oriented programming paradigms. During Year 13, you will complete a Non-Examined Ass
What you need to get on
A Grade 6 or above in GCSE Computer Science. If you did not take GCSE Computer Science, you should be able to demonstrate that you can programme in a high level language (such as VB.net, Python, Pascal) up to GCSE standard. Also, at least Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English.
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
Maidstone Grammar School
BARTON ROAD, MAIDSTONE, ME15 7BT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · MAIDSTONE
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