OCR A Level Computer Science specification (H446)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Computer Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Computer Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Computer Science (H446) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
This A Level Computer Science qualification (OCR H446) enables students to explore the principles and practical applications of computing through abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. It promotes creative, analytical, and logical thinking, while encouraging learners to design and evaluate real-world computing systems. The course is built to reflect the modern digital landscape, developing transferable skills in programming, problem-solving, and project management. It supports progression to further study and careers involving technology, and provides a rigorous foundation for understanding the moral, ethical, and legal implications of digital systems.
Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Computer systems
- Structure and function of processors, CPU components, and architecture types
- Types of processor: CISC, RISC, GPU, multicore, parallel
- Input, output and storage devices; memory types; virtual storage
- Systems software: operating systems, scheduling, interrupts, memory management
- Applications generation: translators, open vs closed source, utilities
- Software development models: waterfall, agile, spiral, XP, RAD
- Programming paradigms: procedural, object-oriented, assembly, addressing modes
- Data exchange: compression, encryption, hashing
- Databases: ER modelling, normalisation, SQL, ACID, transaction processing
- Networks: topologies, protocols, internet structure, security
- Web technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, server/client-side, search indexing
- Data representation: binary, hex, floating point, arithmetic, text
- Data structures: arrays, lists, trees, stacks, queues, graphs, hash tables
- Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, logic gates and circuits
- Legislation: DPA, CMA, CDPA, RIPA
- Ethical issues: AI, environment, surveillance, censorship, privacy
Component 02: Algorithms and programming
- Computational thinking: abstraction, decomposition, logic, procedural and concurrent thinking
- Programming techniques: recursion, IDEs, modularity, OOP
- Computational methods: problem decomposition, heuristics, backtracking, visualisation
- Algorithms: design, analysis, complexity (Big-O), standard algorithms (searching, sorting, Dijkstra, A*)
Component 03/04: Programming project
- Analyse a real-world problem; justify computational approach
- Design: algorithm structure, variables, data structures, usability
- Develop: iterative prototyping, modular programming, annotated code
- Test: validation, remedial action, usability, post-development testing
- Evaluate: success criteria, limitations, maintenance, further development
Assessment structure
Computer systems (01)
- Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 140 marks; 40% of A Level
- Mix of short, long and extended response questions
- No calculator allowed
Algorithms and programming (02)
- Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes
- 140 marks; 40% of A Level
- Section A: algorithms, computational methods, programming techniques
- Section B: scenario-based questions, higher tariff
- No calculator allowed
Programming project (03/04)
- Non-exam assessment (moderated upload or postal)
- 70 marks; 20% of A Level
- Report-based: analysis, design, development, testing, evaluation
- Programming language of student/teacher’s choice
- Assessed internally, moderated externally
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Computer Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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