Why Choose A-Level Computer Science?

In this digital age, computer applications are part of every aspect of our lives. Computer scientists devise, develop and apply the software and hardware for the programs we use day in day out. Every industry uses computers so naturally computer scientists are in great demand. Problems in science, engineering, health care, and so many other areas can be solved by computers. It’s up to the computer scientist to figure out how, and design the software to apply the solution.

What Will I Learn and Study?

Students will:

• look at the internal workings of computer hardware
• learn how to think computationally
• develop skills in problem solving, and how to understand and develop algorithms to solve problems
• learn how to use the programming language C# to create a program to solve a problem they themselves have identified

How is the Course Assessed?

Unit 1: Computer Systems (2 hours and 30 minutes) 40% The internal workings of the CPU, data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.

Unit 2: Algorithms and Programming (2 hours and 30 minutes) 40% Using computational thinking to solve problems.

Unit 3: Programming Project (Controlled assessment, portfolio) 20% Students analyse a problem and design, develop, test and evaluate a program. Portfolio produced to document all evidence. Programming language to be used is C# or a similar, high-level language.