KS5 Computing Curriculum

A Level Computer Science :: AAQ Cyber Security

At KS5 we deliver OCR A Level Computer Science, 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.

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.


We are delivering a new qualification in OCR AAQ in Cyber Security, first teach September 2026.

Cyber Security is an extended certificate equivalent to one A Level. Through a combination of theoretical study and hands-on experience, you will develop the necessary knowledge and skills that can support progression to higher education study in cyber security and networks.
In the examined units, you will study key knowledge and understanding relevant to cyber security and digital networking. In the non examined assessment (NEA) units, you will demonstrate knowledge and skills you learn by completing applied or practical assignments.

The qualification focuses on five units:

  • Fundamentals of Cyber Security
  • Fundamentals of Networks
  • Preventing Cyber Attacks
  • Digital Forensic Investigations
  • Implementing Secure Local Area Networks