A Level Computer Science (H446) - Version 3.0 - Specification (April 2026)

Sep 17, 2026

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A Level Computer Science specification (H446) accredited for first assessment in 2017, Version 3.0 (April 2026). It explains the aims and learning outcomes for developing core computer science principles, computational problem analysis, creative and critical thinking, and mathematical skills. The document outlines specification overview, content areas by component, assessment objectives and formats, administrative requirements including accessibility, and non-exam assessment considerations including AI use, plus appendices on overlaps, bias, mathematical skills, languages, and entity relationship diagrams.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Introducing…A Level Computer Science (from September 2015)

Teaching and learning resources

Professional development

Why choose an OCR A Level in Computer Science?

Why choose an OCR qualification?

Why choose an OCR A Level in Computer Science?

What are the key features of this specification?

How do I find out more information?

The specification overview

Overview of A Level in Computer Science (H446)

Content of A Level in Computer Science (H446)

Content of Computer systems (Component 01)

Content of Algorithms and programming (Component 02)

Content of non exam assessment Programming project (Component 03 or 04)

Prior learning and progression

Assessment of OCR A Level in Computer Science

Forms of assessment

Assessment objectives (AO)

Total qualification time

Qualification availability outside of England

Language

Assessment availability

Retaking the qualification

Assessment of extended responses

Non exam assessment

Synoptic assessment

Calculating qualification results

Admin: what you need to know

Pre-assessment

Accessibility and special consideration

External assessment arrangements

Non exam assessment

AI use in the NEA

Results and certificates

Post-results services

Malpractice

Appendices

Overlap with other qualifications

Avoidance of bias

Mathematical skills

Languages and Boolean logic guide for use in external assessments

Acceptable programming languages for the Programming project (03)

Entity relationship diagrams

Summary of updates

Qualification Accredited Specification A Level Computer Science Cambridge OCR Level 3 Advanced GCEin Computer Science H446 For first assessment in 2017 Version 3.0 (April 2026) [ocr.org.uk/alevelcomputerscience](ocr.org.uk/alevelcomputerscience) i ~~ ~~AboutAs~~ ~~of~~ ~~Septeomurber2ne025w,~~ ~~ounamer~~ ~~name~~ ~~isCambridge~~ ~~OCR.~~ ~~ Students who sat an exam in summer 2025 will receive a Cambridge OCR branded exam certificate (our new brand), which will be the same for all future exam series. You’ll continue to see the OCR or Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations name while we work to update our material to our new name, Cambridge OCR. This will take some time, and you can still access all up-to-date qualification resources and materials via Teach Cambridge. Important: We’ll keep the OCR/Oxford Cambridge and RSA name on existing teaching resources while the content of these remains applicable to the specification being taught. New and refreshed resources will be produced using the Cambridge OCR name/logo. Are you using the latest version of this specification? The latest version of our specifications will always be on our website and may differ from printed versions. We will inform centres about changes to specifications. Tell us what you think Your feedback plays an important role in how we develop, market, support and resource qualifications now and into the future. We want you and your students to enjoy and get the best out of our qualifications and resources, but to do that we need your honest opinions to tell us whether we’re on the right track or not. You can email your thoughts [to](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ ](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[support@ocr.org.uk](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ or visit our](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ ](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[feedback page](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about)[ to learn more about](to support@ocr.org.uk or visit our feedback page to learn more about) how you can help us improve our qualifications. Designing and testing in collaboration with teachers and students Helping young people develop an ethical view of the world Equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) are part of everything we do Contents Introducing…A Level Computer Science (from September 2015) ii Teaching and learning resources iii Professional development iv | 1 | Why choose an OCR A Level in Computer Science? | 1 | | --- | --- | --- | | | 1a. Why choose an OCR qualification? | 1 | | | 1b. Why choose an OCR A Level in Computer Science? | 2 | | | 1c. What are the key features of this specification? | 3 | | | 1d. How do I find out more information? | 3 | | 2 | The specification overview | 4 | | | 2a. Overview of A Level in Computer Science (H446) | 4 | | | 2b. Content of A Level in Computer Science (H446) | 5 | | | 2c. Content of Computer systems (Component 01) | 6 | | | 2c. Content of Algorithms and programming (Component 02) | 11 | | | 2c. Content of non exam assessment Programming project (Component 03 or 04) | 13 | | | 2d. Prior learning and progression | 15 | | 3 | Assessment of OCR A Level in Computer Science | 16 | | | 3a. Forms of assessment | 16 | | | 3b. Assessment objectives (AO) | 17 | | | 3c. Total qualification time | 17 | | | 3d. Qualification availability outside of England | 17 | | | 3e. Language | 18 | | | 3f. Assessment availability | 18 | | | 3g. Retaking the qualification | 18 | | | 3h. Assessment of extended responses | 18 | | | 3i. Non exam assessment | 19 | | | 3j. Synoptic assessment | 26 | | | 3k. Calculating qualification results | 26 | | 4 | Admin: what you need to know | 27 | | | 4a. Pre-assessment | 27 | | | 4b. Accessibility and special consideratio

FAQs

What is the purpose and first assessment timing of the H446 A Level Computer Science qualification?

The specification is accredited and states it is for first assessment in 2017.

What does the specification aim to develop in learners?

It focuses on applying fundamental computer science principles, analysing problems computationally through practical problem solving, and building creative, innovative, analytical, logical, and critical thinking, including mathematical skills.

How are assessments structured, and what does the document say about non-exam assessment and AI use?

The document covers forms of assessment, assessment objectives, synoptic assessment, and non-exam assessment. It includes an explicit section addressing AI use in the NEA.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Ivy