About this course

Online computer science A level course overview

The aims of this course are to enable students 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

At AS level candidates take papers 1 and 2.  At A level candidates take all four papers.  calculators must not be used in any paper.

Paper 1 theory fundamentals paper 3 advanced theory 1 hour 30 minutes 75 marks paper 1 will assess sections 1 to 8 of the syllabus content. Written paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions. 50% of the AS level 25% of the A level 1 hour 30 minutes 75 marks

Paper 2 fundamental problem-solving and programming skills paper 2 will assess sections 9 to 12 of the syllabus content. Written paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions. 50% of the AS level 25% of the A level 2 hours 30 minutes 75 marks

Paper 3 will assess sections 13 to 20 of the syllabus content. Written paper. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions. 25% of the A level

Paper 4 practical 2 hours 75 marks. Candidates will need to write answers in pseudocode.

Paper 4 will assess sections 19 to 20 of the syllabus content. Candidates will submit complete program code and evidence of testing. Candidates will be required to use either Java, VB.NET or python programming languages. Externally assessed. Candidates answer all questions on a computer without internet or email facility. 25% of the A level

In the October of year 11, 12 and 13 parents and guardians will receive an email asking which exams the learner intends to take, and where they would like to take them. Parents and guardians must inform King’s InterHigh if they need assistance finding an exam centre by mid-October.

King’s InterHigh can support you in finding a local exam centre. It is then down to the individual to register with the centre of choice and pay the exam fees to the centre directly. As each exam centre sets their own fees we cannot provide accurate pricing, however as an example, you can see our own fees by clicking here

Physical, medical or learning support needs may be eligible for access arrangements during exams. These can include:

  • Extra time of 25%*
  • Extra time up to 50%*
  • A reader*
  • A scribe*
  • Supervised rest breaks
  • Separate room
  • Use of a laptop
  • Enlarged print exam papers

*These arrangements must be approved by the exam board. The learner will need to undertake learning assessments with an educational psychologist or specialist assessor in order to complete the application form. These assessments can take up to 18 months to process.

The deadline for application to the exam board is the February of the year that the learner sits exams.

There are no formal entry requirements for this subject.

However, if you’re looking to study this subject as one of four A Levels, we strongly advise you only do so if you are predicted at least a grade 7 at GCSE / IGCSE in this subject or a relevant subject.

Key information
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9618
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AS and A level
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Cambridge International Examinations
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1 year for AS level with an additional year for A level
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Online, real-time classrooms, 24/7 access to curriculum
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September
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All exams will be supervised and sat at an examination hall local to you.
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Pupils can choose A level computer science and add other A levels for an added fee per subject, per year. Find out more.
About our fees

We have several fee packages and options, with differing levels of commitment to suit most circumstances. In most cases parents have the option to pay in instalments, spreading the cost of the investment.

Considering studying more than one subject with King’s InterHigh?