The course brings together an exciting mix of practical and theoretical Computing which will appeal to students with a creative approach to Computer Science and problem solving. There is a strong element of programming, which in Year 12 will be in languages such as Python and Java, and the theory topics are taught through the writing of programs to put the concepts into practice. In the second year there is a substantial project, which can be done in any language or platform. In the past students have made iPhone apps, interactive websites, search engines and educational games. As well as teaching Computer Science itself, the course builds self confidence in students by giving them the opportunity to design and program their own solutions to problems as well as the satisfaction of making a useful and working product. This will give students a deeper understanding of how IT systems can be designed, created and used. The course appeals to students who wish to go on to study Computer Science at university, as well as benefits students aiming to pursue an IT-related career such as: cyber security, robotics, business information systems, networking and database management.
The basic entry requirement onto most courses is a minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE in an appropriate subject, however, those students who embark on A Level studies with a grade 7 or above are likely to find the transition much easier. In some cases there may be further restrictions e.g. a minimum of a grade 6 in Maths to do Physics. Please see the following individual subject pages for further details. Students must also have achieved at least a grade 4 in both Maths and either English Language or Literature to qualify for entry into the Sixth Form. To have studied Computer Science at GCSE gaining at least a level 6. Level 6 in Maths is also required.
Paper one is an on-screen programming paper where students design and create solutions to problems set, and make changes and enhancements to the board set program. This is a large programme which has some obvious errors, but also which could be improved with additional features. In the exam, the students are asked to make several changes and assessed on how many of these they can complete. The programming language used at BMS is Java, though there is some flexibility if students have a strong preference for an alternative. 2h 30m (40%). Paper two is a written exam covering the theory side of the course, focusing on computer architecture, searching and sorting algorithms, data types, graphs, trees, hash tables, tree traversal algorithms, finite state machines, Backus-Naur form (BNF) and Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), communication systems, networks and databases, Transmission Control Protocols, regular expressions, vectors and functional programming. 2h 30m (40%).
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Bedford |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £12,324 - £16,908 |
| Address | Manton Lane, Bedford, MK41 7NT |
The course brings together an exciting mix of practical and theoretical Computing which will appeal to students with a creative approach to Computer Science and problem solving. There is a strong element of programming, which in Year 12 will be in languages such as Python and Java, and the theory topics are taught through the writing of programs to put the concepts into practice. In the second year there is a substantial project, which can be done in any language or platform. In the past students have made iPhone apps, interactive websites, search engines and educational games. As well as teaching Computer Science itself, the course builds self confidence in students by giving them the opportunity to design and program their own solutions to problems as well as the satisfaction of making a useful and working product. This will give students a deeper understanding of how IT systems can be designed, created and used. The course appeals to students who wish to go on to study Computer Science at university, as well as benefits students aiming to pursue an IT-related career such as: cyber security, robotics, business information systems, networking and database management.
The basic entry requirement onto most courses is a minimum of a grade 6 at GCSE in an appropriate subject, however, those students who embark on A Level studies with a grade 7 or above are likely to find the transition much easier. In some cases there may be further restrictions e.g. a minimum of a grade 6 in Maths to do Physics. Please see the following individual subject pages for further details. Students must also have achieved at least a grade 4 in both Maths and either English Language or Literature to qualify for entry into the Sixth Form. To have studied Computer Science at GCSE gaining at least a level 6. Level 6 in Maths is also required.
Paper one is an on-screen programming paper where students design and create solutions to problems set, and make changes and enhancements to the board set program. This is a large programme which has some obvious errors, but also which could be improved with additional features. In the exam, the students are asked to make several changes and assessed on how many of these they can complete. The programming language used at BMS is Java, though there is some flexibility if students have a strong preference for an alternative. 2h 30m (40%). Paper two is a written exam covering the theory side of the course, focusing on computer architecture, searching and sorting algorithms, data types, graphs, trees, hash tables, tree traversal algorithms, finite state machines, Backus-Naur form (BNF) and Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), communication systems, networks and databases, Transmission Control Protocols, regular expressions, vectors and functional programming. 2h 30m (40%).