A level of Computer Science is a practical and rigorous course where you apply academic principles, learnt in the classroom, to real-world systems. It is a creative subject that combines invention and excitement. Our qualification values computational thinking, helping you develop the skills to solve problems, design systems, and understand the powers and limits of human and machine intelligence. These concepts lie at the heart of this qualification and are the best preparation if you want to study Computer Science at a higher level. A level of Computer Science also provides a good grounding for other subjects that require programming, computational thinking and analytical skills. At Highgate, you will learn largely by doing, with much of the course content being illustrated by programming and working with Computer hardware. You will learn how to write efficient algorithms and how to analyse data for Scientific discovery. Another aspect of Computing is related to design – how can we build well-designed programs and hardware that are a pleasure to use? Computing is also about getting things to work and you will find out how both computer software and hardware are engineered and improved. Finally, we look at how computers are changing the world and examine some of the legal, ethical and cultural implications of rapid technological advances in areas such as data science and artificial intelligence.
A strong mathematical background is essential, and it is desirable to have a grade 8 in GCSE Computer Science.
Pupils studying Computer Science will sit the AQA Computer Science A level. The assessment is in three components. Paper 1 – Online Paper (40% of qualification) This paper tests a pupil’s ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of the fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms. Firstly, you will answer short theory questions in an online answer sheet. Secondly, you will be asked short programming questions based on unseen information. Finally, before the exam, you will be issued with a skeleton program preliminary material. During the exam, you will be asked questions about this material and will be required to write Python code that will extend and modify the skeleton program. Paper 2 – Written Paper (40% of qualification) This paper tests your knowledge of Computer Science theory. It consists of both short and long answer questions. Non-exam assessment (20% of qualification) This is a long-term project that allows you to develop your practical and programming skills in the context of solving a realistic problem or carrying out an investigation. You will have a dedicated teacher throughout Year 12 and Year 13 to help you develop your skills, plan your project, and write it up. You will need to demonstrate your programming skills as part of your write-up, with 42 of the 75 available marks being awarded for your technical solution.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Haringey |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,515 |
| Address | North Road, Highgate, N6 4AY |
A level of Computer Science is a practical and rigorous course where you apply academic principles, learnt in the classroom, to real-world systems. It is a creative subject that combines invention and excitement. Our qualification values computational thinking, helping you develop the skills to solve problems, design systems, and understand the powers and limits of human and machine intelligence. These concepts lie at the heart of this qualification and are the best preparation if you want to study Computer Science at a higher level. A level of Computer Science also provides a good grounding for other subjects that require programming, computational thinking and analytical skills. At Highgate, you will learn largely by doing, with much of the course content being illustrated by programming and working with Computer hardware. You will learn how to write efficient algorithms and how to analyse data for Scientific discovery. Another aspect of Computing is related to design – how can we build well-designed programs and hardware that are a pleasure to use? Computing is also about getting things to work and you will find out how both computer software and hardware are engineered and improved. Finally, we look at how computers are changing the world and examine some of the legal, ethical and cultural implications of rapid technological advances in areas such as data science and artificial intelligence.
A strong mathematical background is essential, and it is desirable to have a grade 8 in GCSE Computer Science.
Pupils studying Computer Science will sit the AQA Computer Science A level. The assessment is in three components. Paper 1 – Online Paper (40% of qualification) This paper tests a pupil’s ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of the fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms. Firstly, you will answer short theory questions in an online answer sheet. Secondly, you will be asked short programming questions based on unseen information. Finally, before the exam, you will be issued with a skeleton program preliminary material. During the exam, you will be asked questions about this material and will be required to write Python code that will extend and modify the skeleton program. Paper 2 – Written Paper (40% of qualification) This paper tests your knowledge of Computer Science theory. It consists of both short and long answer questions. Non-exam assessment (20% of qualification) This is a long-term project that allows you to develop your practical and programming skills in the context of solving a realistic problem or carrying out an investigation. You will have a dedicated teacher throughout Year 12 and Year 13 to help you develop your skills, plan your project, and write it up. You will need to demonstrate your programming skills as part of your write-up, with 42 of the 75 available marks being awarded for your technical solution.
