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Level 3
Computer Science A-level
COURSE OVERVIEW
Computer Science is the study of problem solving and computational thinking. Our modern world is dominated by technology, but computer scientists are more than just hi-tech consumers, they are the people who make it happen and shape our future. Students will learn practical programming skills, the mathematics behind how computers actually work and the theory that binds it all together. Students will be encouraged to think logically and to seek creative solutions to real world problems. Topics studied 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 Lessons include a mixture of practical programming and underlying theory with a technical or mathematical bias. No prior coding experience is assumed, but students who have not previously studied Computer Science will be expected to initially attend subject support. In lab sessions students’; progress is largely self-paced, with challenging extension work for those who benefit from it. Theory lessons utilise a variety of teaching methods, including whole class, group and pair work, and a range of traditional written material, interactive models and multimedia resources.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including grade 6 in Mathematics and grade 4 in English Language.
There is a huge global demand for IT professionals, with rewarding salaries and excellent prospects and a huge range of opportunities for further studies at universities in the UK and overseas. As a branch of science and mathematics, computer science dominates most sectors of society, so while many students become programmers and designers, others progress to a diverse range of fields including medicine, digital forensics, psychology and artificial intelligence, criminology and engineering.
At the end of the second year students will take two exam papers and submit coursework. Paper 1 – tests students’; ability to program, as well as theoretical knowledge of computer science. It is an on-screen exam; 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 40% of A Level. Paper 2 – tests students’; ability to answer short and extended questions. It is a written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes and worth 40% of A Level. Non-exam assessment – assesses students’; ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. It is worth 20% of A Level.
TBC
Technology evolves at breakneck speed, so to stay ahead students need both enthusiasm and curiosity, and to be capable of experimentation and innovation. There is opportunity, particularly with the project, to be creative and explore students’; own interests. A successful student of Computer Science is a tenacious self-starter, prepared to research and investigate unique solutions to complex and diverse problems, in and out of the classroom and articulate these in an extended written format.