Introduction
This course is designed to give students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works ‘under the bonnet’. Students will develop programming, critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which provide an excellent preparation for higher study and employment in Computer Science. If you are the kind of person who enjoys ‘thinking outside the box’ in Maths and Science lessons and finding solutions to problems, then this course is for you; you will harness the power of the computer to make complicated tasks simple.
How is the course assessed?
Examination in May in Year 11
Paper 1 and Paper 2, both 90 mins
Course Content
Throughout the two years students are to be given the opportunity to undertake programming tasks during their course of study which allows them to develop their skills to design, write, test and refine programs using a high-level programming language (Python).
Introduces students to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. It also looks at ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science. Whilst paper 2 focusses on developing skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms and flow diagrams (creating your own working theme park), programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic including logic gates and truth tables and translators.
Essential Requirements
Be willing to learn and work hard, have an interest in computing, good mathematical skills, logical thinking skills.
Future Pathways
Sixth Form – A Level Computing, Alternative Academic Qualifications –
Advanced National Data Analytics, Advanced National Computing,
Advanced National Cyber Security.
Career aspirations – computing, coding, game design, data analytics, web design, cyber security.