Why study A-Level Computer Science? (Year 11)

Post-16 choices shouldn't be made on syllabus details alone. This lesson plan will help you to show Year 11 students whether A-Level Computer Science or another post-16 route fits them best, drawing on the jobs it leads to and the skills it builds.

This lesson is designed to be delivered in 30 minutes as a teacher-led classroom activity.

This activity supports the following frameworks:

  • Gatsby Benchmark 4

This activity is suitable for Year 11 and features careers linked to the following subjects:

  • Computer Science

This is one of three lesson plans designed for Year 11 Computer Science teachers:

These lesson plans will help you show students how Computer Science connects to their future careers.

We recommend using this lesson plan at the beginning of the spring term, as students approach their post-16 choices. It builds on the two earlier lesson plans and draws them together to help students make an informed decision. A-Level Computer Science is one post-16 route among several - this lesson plan helps students decide whether it's the right one for them, or whether Computer Science fits their future better through another route.

Learning objectives

  • Students will understand what studying A-Level Computer Science involves.
  • Students will recognise how Computer Science fits different post-16 routes, not just A-Level.
  • Students will be able to say whether A-Level Computer Science is right for them and why.

Before the lesson

  • You will need a computer connected to the internet and a classroom screen.
  • Open the What can you do with Computer Science? page and have it ready on the screen.
  • Review the page in full so you know what's in each section.
  • Be ready to describe your school's A-Level Computer Science syllabus.

During the lesson

1. Recap: jobs and skills (5 mins)

  • Ask students to recall what they discussed in the earlier Year 11 lessons:
    • What jobs use Computer Science?
    • What skills does Computer Science build?
  • Write their answers on the board as a quick recap.

2. Walking through the page (15 mins)

  • Bring up the What can you do with Computer Science? page on the classroom screen.
  • Show students the table of contents so they see the shape of what's on the page.
  • Walk through the key sections together, unpacking why each one matters for their post-16 decisions:
    • Computer Science at A-Level - What the course covers and how it differs from GCSE.
    • Subjects that pair with Computer Science - Which other A-Level choices work well alongside it.
    • Where Computer Science can take you next - How Computer Science leads into further study.
  • Briefly outline your school or college's A-Level syllabus, exam board, and assessment methods.

3. Is A-Level Computer Science right for you? (10 mins)

  • Ask students to think about whether A-Level Computer Science fits their post-16 plan.
  • Prompt them with questions:
    • Did you enjoy studying GCSE Computer Science enough to spend two more years on it?
    • What's the difference between Computer Science, IT, and "learning to code"?
    • Are you comfortable with maths? A-Level Computer Science is more mathematical than GCSE, and most computing degrees expect or require A-Level Maths.
    • How do you think AI will change the jobs Computer Science leads to?
    • Do the skills Computer Science builds matter for the career or route you're leaning towards?
    • Does A-Level Computer Science pair well with your other post-16 choices?
    • Would a T-Level, apprenticeship, or college course work better for you?
  • Close by reminding students that the best post-16 choice is the one they'll engage with - whether that's A-Levels, a T-Level, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work. Interest and effort are what lead to good results, and good results open doors.

After the lesson

  • Share the What can you do with Computer Science? page with students and their parents/carers:
    • www.coffeewith.xyz/subjects/what-can-you-do-with-computer-science
  • Encourage parents/carers to explore the page with their child and to discuss the contents.
  • Encourage parents/carers to also explore related videos and careers with their child.
  • Use the School Tools / Activities feature to record the lesson activity:
    • Activity name: Year 11 - Why study A-Level Computer Science?
    • Activity type: Linking curriculum learning to careers