Computer Science

Course Description

Learn the crucial skill of coding and how computers and processors actually work. In A level Computer Science we teach with a mixture of theory and practical elements (coding in various languages). In the first year we do a mix of theoretical topics including the Structure and Function of the processor and learning how to code using various programming languages. Most of our teaching is in Python however your programming project can be in a language of your choice. In the first year we will also being a coding project of a fascinating topic of your choice, that will really push you to create a practical applications and apply your coding skills to the real world. In the second year we do complexity algorithms, computational thinking and more advanced coding and analysis.

Computer systems

Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in component 03.

It covers:

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
  • Data exchange between different systems
  • Data types, data structures and algorithms
  • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.

 

Component 02: Algorithms and programming

This builds on component 01 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.

It covers:

  • What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
  • Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
  • Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.

 

Component 03: Programming project

Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages.

Coding, Logical Reasoning, Software and application design

University courses and apprenticeships in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering and many others.

Exams with 2 Papers 80% and a Programming Project 20%.

We have regular visits from University and Employers.