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Computer Science

The Computer science and ICT department offer two courses at Key stage 5. The BTEC we currently offer is OCR A Level Computer Science.

Our A Level Computer Science qualification helps students understand the core academic principles of computer science. Classroom learning is transferred into creating real-world systems through the creation of an independent programming project.

Specification

Computer systems (01) - 2 hours 30 mins (40%)

The internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.

  • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
  • Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
  • Data exchange between different systems
  • Data types, data structures and algorithms
  • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.

Algorithms and programming (02) - 2 hours 30 mins (40%)

Using computational thinking to solve problems.

  • What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
  • Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
  • Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.

Component 03: Programming project

Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science. We support a wide and diverse range of languages.

Additional and recommended learning tools or reading

Department Members

  • Mr E Clarke (Head of department & Associate Assistant Head)
  • Mrs P Syal (Deputy Head of Sixth Form)
  • Ms D Smith