Overview
A level Computer Science provides excellent preparation for the study of Computer Science at undergraduate level and for the Computing element of Mathematical, Engineering and Scientific degrees. The largely practical A level course will provide students with the skills to be able to design and develop software whilst also providing them with the theoretical knowledge required for the further study of Computer Science.
Curriculum
Students who chose to study Computer Science will follow the AQA A Level in Computer Science. Students will develop a working understanding of Object-Oriented Design techniques, the C# Programming language, Functional Programming via the Haskell Programming Language, Abstract Data Types, Computer Hardware, Database Design and Data Representation techniques. The full list of modules is detailed below:
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of data structures
- Fundamentals of algorithms
- Theory of computation
- Fundamentals of computer systems
- Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
- Consequences of uses of computing
- Fundamentals of communication and networking
- Fundamentals of databases
- Big Data
- Fundamentals of functional programming
- Systematic approach to problem solving
- Programming project
Students will be assessed, in the Upper Sixth, via one practical programming exam, one theoretical exam and a piece of coursework.
Trips, activities and clubs
In addition to our teaching there are a range of opportunities to support the development of Computing knowledge including:
- Upper School Cyber Security Club
- Weekly Clinics
- Programming Club
Staff
- Mr T Collins MSc BEng (Head of Computing)
- Miss J Muirhead BSc