COMPUTER SCIENCE

QUALIFICATION:

A level

OVERVIEW:

Computer Science is a practical subject where you can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The aims of this qualification are to enable you to: develop an understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including: abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation; the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including writing programs to do so; the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically; the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science; mathematical skills.

EQUIPMENT:

All equipment is provided by the school, however, access to a computer at home would be beneficial

SKILLS:

You will need: technical ability, problem-solving, organisation and numeracy skills, as well as creativity, attention to detail and analytical skills

ASSESSMENT:

There are two examinations at the end of the course, both two hours thirty minutes each. There is also a substantial original solution to a problem that you solve using computational methods.

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

In the last two years students have progressed to Computer Science degrees, Games Development degrees, Cyber Security degrees, as well as technical roles in the army and navy.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“Computer Science A level covers a wide range of topics from both theory and practical sides of modern computing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Computer Science and feel it has given me a good grounding to go on and study it at a university level”  Year 13 student.