Computer Studies / Computing
Hurstpierpoint College - West Sussex
01273833636
College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9JS
Course summary

It is the aim of the Computer Science department to ensure that all students taking the subject acquire the practical skills that will make them employable in the real world, increasing their choice of opportunities when leaving the College. Although only 20% of the final marks are awarded for coursework, Computer Science is a highly practical course where we teach beyond the limits of the syllabus. The overall aim of this course is to encourage students to develop an understanding of the principles of problem solving using computers. These studies will help students to understand the range of applications of computers and the effects of their use so that students can apply this understanding to develop computer based solutions to problems. Students will develop an understanding of systems analysis and design and methods of implementation, testing and documentation.

Entry requirements

Students who have studied Computer Science at GCSE should have at least a grade 7. There is a considerable mathematical content to the course and therefore candidates should have achieved a grade 7 or above in Mathematics at GCSE.

How you'll be assessed

Component 1: Computer systems 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper 40% of total A-level • 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 Component 2: Algorithms and programming 2 hours and 30 minutes written paper 40% of total A-level • Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms Component 3: Programming project Non-examination assessment 20% of total A-level The learner will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification. • Analysis of the problem • Design of the solution • Developing the solution • Evaluation

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityWest Sussex
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding Fee£31,800 - £34,275
Sixth Form Fee£10,200 - £26,400
AddressCollege Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, BN6 9JS