This course has been designed for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of computer science would be beneficial. In this increasingly technological age, a study of computer science, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems is becoming a highly sought after skill. The course, with its emphasis on data abstraction, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding these future challenges.
The A Level in Computer Science encourages learners 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 and through practical experience solve such problems using an object oriented methodology.
• The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.
• The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science.
• Mathematical skills, computer science uses mathematics to express its computational laws and processes e.g. Boolean algebra, comparison of complexity of algorithms, number representations and bases.
• The ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
Computer science integrates well with subjects across the curriculum. It demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and debugging of programs. It relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a fundamental level and encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems.
One can study computer science and go on to a career in engineering, business, forensics, games, multimedia or any type of science.
AS Level (40% of full A Level)
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of Computer Science. This unit investigates computer architecture, communication, data representation, data structures, software applications, programs, algorithms, logic, programming methodologies and the impact of computer science on society.
Unit 2 – Practical Programming to Solve Problems. This unit consists of a series of set tasks completed on-screen by candidates. These tasks will assess the practical application of knowledge and understanding and will require the use of Visual Basic.Net as a programming language.
A Level (the above plus a further 3 units)
A2 Level (60% of full A Level)
Unit 3 – This unit focuses on algorithm analysis, data structures, algorithms, logic, programming methodologies and the impact of computer science on society.
Unit 4 – Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications unit investigates computer architecture, communication, data representation, organisation and structure of data, programs, algorithms and software applications.
Unit 5 – Programmed Solution to a Problem is a non-examined unit where the candidate will discuss, investigate, design, prototype, refine and implement, test and evaluate a computerised solution to a problem chosen by the candidate which must be solved using original code (programming). This is a substantial piece of work, undertaken over an extended period of time.
The main programming language for AS/A2 Computer Science is Visual Basic.Net 2015. However, a range of different languages are supported at A2 Level.
