A Level in Computer Science

A-level Computer Science encourages students to develop:

• an understanding of, and the 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 for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science
• mathematical skills related to Boolean algebra, comparison and complexity of algorithms and number representations and bases.
• the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.

Programme and Course Content:

Topics include:

• Fundamentals of programming
• Fundamentals of data structures
• Fundamentals of algorithms
• Theory of computation
• Fundamentals of data representation
• Fundamentals of computer systems
• Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
• Consequences of uses of computing
• Fundamentals of communication and networking
• Fundamentals of databases
• Big Data
• Fundamentals of functional programming
• Systematic approach to problem solving
• Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

Students undertake two exams (80%) and a controlled assessment (20%); an exam on programming, an exam on theory and a personal practical programming task.

5 GCSEs at 4 or above including: English Language and Mathematics at 6 or above.

Course availability is at the discretion of the Sixth Form Team.

Students can progress onto various courses related to Computer Science and ICT. Also STEM vocations and University.