Computer Science
Course summary
This 2 year course will allow pupils to engage in a fast moving area of study with real world applications. It allows pupils to develop their practical skills in the context of solving realistic problems or carrying out investigation. Pupils will build on previous experience of programming in Python and learn new theory for using computers in the real world. It will allow them to learn about the programming concepts common across multiple languages and to learn about the fundamentals of computer systems. Year 12: During year 12 we will be studying the fundamentals of programming looking at functional programming, building on their practical knowledge from GCSE in Python and learning the concepts of object-oriented programming and how to create databases using SQL. We will also learn about the fundamentals of data representation looking at binary and the structure and function of a processor. We will study systems software and boolean algebra building on knowledge learned at GCSE. Towards the end of the year, pupils will choose a topic to create their independent project on and will work on this into year 13. Year 13: In the second year of the course we will continue the practical work completing their independent project work for a chosen end user. There will be units looking at moral, social and legal issues of computing as well as software development and networks. Much of the year will be preparing pupils for their exams in the summer.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
Mathematics | Grade 5 in Mathematics | — |
Computer Science | Grade 4 in Computer Science (if taken) | — |
As published by the school
We require students to have a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics. If you have studied Computer Science at GCSE we require a grade 4 in the subject. If pupils have not already studied Computer Science at GCSE then there is a requirement that pupils will study Python basics in their own time. An interest in problem solving is also essential.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility:Sign in to check eligibilitySign in and add your predicted grades to check this course against them — no verdict is implied without your grades.
Assessment
Paper 1 is a written exam lasting 2.5 hours worth 40% of the A-Level Paper 2 is a written exam lasting 2.5 hours and worth 40% of the A-Level The Non Examined Assessment (NEA) is worth 20% of the A-Level
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