Computers are everywhere. We use mobile phones, TVs and cars that include large amounts of software and almost everyone has a computer or digital device(s) in their home. These systems all rely on advanced computer science. Computer science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement. Students will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. An A Level in computer science values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. The project approach used within the course is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to further education, higher education and the workplace. Each student can tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. What skills do I have that will make the course suitable for me? • An interest in computer science • The ability to analyse and solve problems • The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of a subject • Mathematical skills What topics will I study? • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data - compression, encryption, databases, networks, web technologies • 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 • Students will also choose a computing project, covering the following areas: • Analysis of the problem • Design of the solution • Developing the solution • Evaluation
We expect pupils entering Sixth Form to have secured 45 points from their best 8 GCSE grades (grades of 3 or below may not be included). Students new to Dame Allan’s will also be invited to interview. Minimum of grade 6 for both GCSE Computer Science and Maths, or for students who have not studied GCSE Computer Science, a minimum of a grade 7 for Maths.
The course consists of three components: The computer systems component contains the majority of the specification content and is assessed in a written paper, recalling knowledge and understanding. It includes the following topic areas: characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues. The algorithms and programming component relates specifically to problem-solving skills needed to apply the knowledge and understanding from the first component. The component covers a range of elements regarding computational thinking, such as elements of computational thinking, programming and problem-solving; pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms. The component also provides students with a short scenario in which problem-solving skills are required. The programming project is a practical portfolio based assessment, with a task produced using a suitable programming language. Students will need to analyse a given problem, design a solution, implement the solution and provide a thorough evaluation. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the three components: • Computer systems written examination - 40 per cent of A Level (2 hours 30 mins) • Algorithms and programming written examination - 40 per cent of A Level ( 2 hours 30 mins) • Programming project - 20 per cent of A Level
About Education Provider
| Region | North East |
| Local Authority | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £15,999 |
| Address | Fowberry Crescent, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE4 9YJ |
Computers are everywhere. We use mobile phones, TVs and cars that include large amounts of software and almost everyone has a computer or digital device(s) in their home. These systems all rely on advanced computer science. Computer science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement. Students will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. An A Level in computer science values computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. The project approach used within the course is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to further education, higher education and the workplace. Each student can tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. What skills do I have that will make the course suitable for me? • An interest in computer science • The ability to analyse and solve problems • The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of a subject • Mathematical skills What topics will I study? • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data - compression, encryption, databases, networks, web technologies • 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 • Students will also choose a computing project, covering the following areas: • Analysis of the problem • Design of the solution • Developing the solution • Evaluation
We expect pupils entering Sixth Form to have secured 45 points from their best 8 GCSE grades (grades of 3 or below may not be included). Students new to Dame Allan’s will also be invited to interview. Minimum of grade 6 for both GCSE Computer Science and Maths, or for students who have not studied GCSE Computer Science, a minimum of a grade 7 for Maths.
The course consists of three components: The computer systems component contains the majority of the specification content and is assessed in a written paper, recalling knowledge and understanding. It includes the following topic areas: characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues. The algorithms and programming component relates specifically to problem-solving skills needed to apply the knowledge and understanding from the first component. The component covers a range of elements regarding computational thinking, such as elements of computational thinking, programming and problem-solving; pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms. The component also provides students with a short scenario in which problem-solving skills are required. The programming project is a practical portfolio based assessment, with a task produced using a suitable programming language. Students will need to analyse a given problem, design a solution, implement the solution and provide a thorough evaluation. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the three components: • Computer systems written examination - 40 per cent of A Level (2 hours 30 mins) • Algorithms and programming written examination - 40 per cent of A Level ( 2 hours 30 mins) • Programming project - 20 per cent of A Level