Course information
Computer Studies / Computing
Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School - Derbyshire
01246412372
Green Lane, Dronfield, S18 2FZ
Course summary

What will I learn on this course? If you enjoy using computers and you want to know more about how they work and how they can be used, then you should probably think about studying Computer Science. The course is varied, interesting, and challenging. You'll need to have a very logical mind and be good at maths because computing involves programming which is a logical and often a mathematical discipline

Entry requirements

6 or above in Computing, 6 or above in Mathematics and Level 2 Computing Qualification completed to student’s target grade

How you'll be assessed

AS Computer Science – 2 units, both examined - (1yr) 01 Computing principles (50%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: • Operating systems • Introduction to programming • Data types, structures, and algorithms • Exchanging data and web technologies • Using Boolean algebra • Legal and ethical issues. 02 Algorithms and Problem-solving (50%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper and will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. There’ll be a short scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem-solving. Other areas covered include the following: • Elements of computational thinking • Programming techniques • Software development methodologies • Algorithms • Standard algorithms A level Computer Science – 3 units, 01 and 02 are examined, 03 is coursework based - (2yr) 01 Computer systems (40%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark scheme-type questions. It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: • Software and its development • Types of programming languages • Data types, representation, and structures • Exchanging data and web technologies • Following algorithms • Using Boolean algebra • Legal, moral, and ethical issues. 02 Algorithms and Programming (40%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with two sections, both of which will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme type questions. Section A Traditional questions concerning computational thinking. • Elements of computational thinking • Programming and problem solving • Pattern recognition, abstraction, and decomposition • Algorithm design and efficiency • Standard algorithms. Section B There’ll be a scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem-solving. 03 Programming project (20%) External postal moderation or repository. Students and/or centers select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Assessment Objectives. Students will need to analyze the problem, design a solution, implement the solution, and give a thorough evaluation.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityDerbyshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressGreen Lane, Dronfield, S18 2FZ