Computer Studies / Computing
Course summary
Computer Science encompasses the theoretical aspects of how a computer is designed, used and applied to solve real world problems. It is an applied subject that provides the student with practical problem solving skills in a variety of programming languages. There is a substantial coursework element in Computer Science which requires students to create a complete piece of bespoke software to solve a real-life problem. The project is divided into five stages: Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing and Evaluation. Students must be able to plan their time effectively throughout the course in order to meet the project deadlines. Consequently, the Computer Science course is only suited to students who can work consistently and independently, week by week. The theoretical components include more advanced knowledge, understanding and application of data handling, file handling, computer architecture and number representation. A command of more sophisticated terminology is expected, along with more advanced programming techniques including recursion, object-oriented programming and more complex algorithms. Computer Science has strong connections to many other disciplines. Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, and Economics combine well with Computer Science. Students who wish to study for a Computer Science degree should combine it with A Level Mathematics as this is a pre-requisite at many universities.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
GCSE qualifications | 6 gcse qualifications at grade 4.0 or above | — |
Computer Science | Grade 6 in Computer Science | — |
English Language | Grade 4 in English Language | — |
English Literature | Grade 4 in English Literature | — |
Mathematics | Grade 4 in Mathematics | — |
As published by the school
For A Level courses applicants will need six 4-9 grades including English and Mathematics with a minimum of a grade 6 in their chosen relevant subjects. Students wishing to study Mathematics at A Level must have a grade 7 at GCSE.
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Assessment
A level Paper 1 on-screen exam - 40% of the marks Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an electronic answer document. This paper tests a student's programming ability, and theoretical knowledge of data structures, systematic problem solving, and the theory of computation. A level Paper 2 written exam - 40% of the marks This paper tests the fundamentals of data representation, computer systems (hardware and software), computer architecture and organisation, communications and networking, the consequences of using computing, databases and big data, and functional programming. Non exam assessment - 20% of the marks This course work unit assesses student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem.
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