KS5 Computing Curriculum
At Key Stage 5, Scarborough UTC offers advanced pathways in Computing that prepare students for careers in digital, software, and cyber industries. Learners can study qualifications such as A-level Computer Science, Alternative Academic Qualifications in Application Development and Cyber Security. The curriculum focuses on high-level programming, data structures, system architecture, and cyber security, combined with project-based learning and real-world problem solving. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships and expert mentoring, gaining hands-on experience with real employers. This practical and academic blend equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for higher education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the tech industry.

KS5 Computing Curriculum Intention
At KS5 we deliver OCR A Level Computer Science, AAQ in Application Development and AAQ in Cyber Security (first teach 2026). We have chosen these specifications to provide all students the opportunity to study Computer Science at A Level or to study a vocational course at a technical level and provide them with the qualifications needed to progress to higher education or an apprenticeship. The courses studied provides students with the opportunity to further deepen their subject knowledge from GSCE as they progress through each unit and to make informed choices about their post 18 options. This course gives a sound basis of knowledge and skills required in higher education, or an apprenticeship. The curriculum allows students to continue to build up schema, develop a deep and broad understanding of the workings of the digital technical world around them, identify and address misconceptions. Students further develop their computational thinking skills to enable them to be successful in in the practical elements of the course which in turn provides them the necessary skills needed for higher education such as writing personal statements or writing assignments. We review our SOL on a rolling ongoing basis, and we work closely with schools in our trust.
KS5 Computer Science Curriculum Covered
We currently teach computer science in the sequence recommended by the examination board supported by the SOL, organised around key technical concepts. In year 12 we teach the practical elements which gives new students who have not studied GCSE computer science the opportunity to learn in parallel with their peers, learning a programming language of their choice, subject to exam board approval; most students request to learn C# as its industry standard which is used in many software development areas. The content covered at KS5 is organised to take advantage of cross-curricular connections. We are currently reviewing the tasks and challenges of the programming elements of the course, to improve support to students in communication and mathematics.
KS5 Alternative Academic Qualifications: Application Development, Cyber Security & Networking Curriculum

We are delivering new qualifications in OCR AAQ in Application Development, first teach 2025, and OCR AAQ in Cyber Security, and Networking, first teach 2026, in replacement of discontinued OCR Cambridge Technical in IT.
Application Development is an extended certificate equivalent to one A Level.
The qualification focuses on:
- Designing and developing applications (Web Development)
- Problem analysis and interface design.
- Building accessible and effective software solutions.