Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Course Aims All specifications in computer science must build on the knowledge; understanding and skills established at key stage 4 and encourage students to develop a broad range of the knowledge, understanding and skills of computing, as a basis for progression into further learning and/or employment. AS and A-level specifications in computer science must encourage 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 (A-level only) • number representations and bases • The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.