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Computing - Theory Books

Blackford and Leadbetter : OCR AS Level Computing
This is the essential AS text, because it contains exactly what you need for the AS course. You'll want to refer to other materials as well, but this is the best guide to what needs to be covered and in what depth. The text is published on a CD, and the price allows the text to be made available on a school network. Practice questions and test papers are included. (Available from B & L Publishing, Warren Bank, 8 The Wheatlands, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5BD. Cost £80 which includes a school network licence. )
Blackford and Leadbetter : OCR A2 Level Computing
The second year course is longer because there's more material to get through. Again the text is an essential guide to what needs to be covered and in what depth, particularly as the OCR specification is very different from the other boards at A2. (Details as above. Cost £80, or £70 if you also purchase the AS text).
cover Heathcote - 'A' Level Computing
If you already have this book, you probably either love it or hate it. In my view it's the best introduction to the A level course. It's clearly written with lots of good practice questions. Unfortunately it isn't written specifically for the OCR course, so topics are not in the right order, and you'll need to pick out the bits which are relevant. If you're looking for a high grade at A2, you'll need another book as well.
cover Bradley - New Understanding Computer Science for A Level
This is the other book you'll need. If you hate the Heathcote book, you'll probably love this one. It's much more scientific and thorough. It covers all the material for AS and A2. I don't recommend it at the start of the AS year, but it's indispensable at A2.
cover A Glossary of Computing Terms
Highly recommended by OCR. It's more than just a glossary - the explanations are very readable.
cover IT Glossary for Schools
This is the same book as the Glossary of Computing Terms, but reduced in size by about a half. OK for AS, but for A2 you'd probably want the full version.
cover Letts Revise AS Computing
cover Letts Revise A2 Computing
cover Letts - AS Computing in a Week
cover Letts - A2 Computing in a Week
cover Letts - A Level Study Guide: Computing
A bit out of date now, but still a useful book.
No picture available Understanding Computer Science for Advanced Level - the Study Guide
No Picture available Business Information Systems
No Picture available Bishop - Computing Science
cover 'A' Level Computing 3rd edition
Out of date now on some topics. Still useful for the chapters on compilation and bachus-naur form which are required for module 2509 and have been removed from the 4th edition of the book! Amazon say they can still get it, but you should be able to find it second hand.
   
A selection of popular A level Computing textbooks available from Amazon is given below: