Subject Intent: Why Computer Science?
The Computer Science curriculum allows students to apply both abstract concepts and mathematics in real world solutions, making the course have a real life and relevant focus. Students are encouraged to look at the role of technology from a moral and ethical viewpoint and link this to the rule of law, and how technology aligns with our fundamental British values, and beyond to a worldwide audience.
Computer Science qualifications also address the shortage in the UK jobs market, preparing our students for a wide range of degree courses, apprenticeships, and future roles in an ever-evolving and exciting sector.
What will I study?
Unit 1
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Software and software development
- Exchanging data
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
- Elements of computational thinking
- Problem solving and programming
- Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms
Computer Science
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.
What are lessons like in this subject?
Computer science lessons usually begin with a friendly low stakes quiz, retrieval practice, or, as we move through the course, an exam style question. This is based upon the preview work that is set each week, or from a previous topic from earlier in the course. We then build upon the preview exercises by introducing new concepts and then doing a variety of activities to embed your understanding and clear up any misconceptions. We work in pairs, groups and individually; this depends upon the activity and if we are doing theory or programming.
The kind of trips you can expect to go on are university visits for students who want to understand what it will be like to study beyond A-level, but we also get to see technology in action at businesses, expos and museums (both locally and further afield).
What our
students
In the changing technological world, A-level Computer Science is a fantastic course to pursue. This course not only enhances your programming skills, but also teaches you how to think logically and computationally. The quality of teaching and support I have received for Computer Science has been second to none.
Finn Scully, The McAuley Catholic High School
