This Advanced Level course will develop an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems plus the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving problems, including writing programs to do so. In addition, it will enhance your capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically and your mathematical skills. It will help you to articulate the individual, social, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. Computer Science helps prepare you for the world that you are living in and contributing to. It provides the opportunity to develop skills that can ultimately change the world by creating and enhancing technology rather than just being a consumer or user of it. Topics will include: The fundamentals of computing such as hardware, software and systems development; the implications of computer use; computational thinking; how to design solutions to particular problems and how to write maintainable programs in Python using a range of real-world programming approaches; how computer architectures are structured; Data representation, Boolean algebra and databases.
There are no formal GCSE requirements, though students should note that this is a rigorous academic course, requiring numeracy and strong logical abilities. The emphasis in the teaching is on understanding rather than simple learning, as computing as a discipline is extremely fast moving. You should have good mathematical/ verbal/written skills with an ability to think logically, creatively and critically. Strong candidates are those who can quickly infer patterns from information they are presented with, and then extrapolate these to deal with new situations. Although candidates are taught to write programs in PYTHON, the practical exercise itself is self-led, so a high level of determination is required to complete it to the standard required in the time available. Computer Science is not offered to GCSE, so the level of effort required right from the start of this course is one of the highest. Those aiming to study the subject at university should seriously consider studying Maths to A-Level.
A-Level: Two theory papers plus a practical project taken at end of Year 13: the Practical Project runs throughout Year 13 At 'A-Level' the practical module involves each student finding, realising and documenting a solution to a serious, real-world problem by producing original program code in a suitable environment. The solution will span all aspects from analysis of the problem, through design to implementation, testing, and evaluation. All aspects must be clearly documented. This project is worth 20% of the total A-Level mark, so is extremely important, and spans most of the upper sixth year in parallel with theory work, so it is not for the faint-hearted!
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Bolton |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Boys |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £13,632 |
| Address | Chorley New Road, Bolton, BL1 4PA |
This Advanced Level course will develop an understanding of, and the ability to apply, the fundamental principles and concepts of computer systems plus the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving problems, including writing programs to do so. In addition, it will enhance your capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically and your mathematical skills. It will help you to articulate the individual, social, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. Computer Science helps prepare you for the world that you are living in and contributing to. It provides the opportunity to develop skills that can ultimately change the world by creating and enhancing technology rather than just being a consumer or user of it. Topics will include: The fundamentals of computing such as hardware, software and systems development; the implications of computer use; computational thinking; how to design solutions to particular problems and how to write maintainable programs in Python using a range of real-world programming approaches; how computer architectures are structured; Data representation, Boolean algebra and databases.
There are no formal GCSE requirements, though students should note that this is a rigorous academic course, requiring numeracy and strong logical abilities. The emphasis in the teaching is on understanding rather than simple learning, as computing as a discipline is extremely fast moving. You should have good mathematical/ verbal/written skills with an ability to think logically, creatively and critically. Strong candidates are those who can quickly infer patterns from information they are presented with, and then extrapolate these to deal with new situations. Although candidates are taught to write programs in PYTHON, the practical exercise itself is self-led, so a high level of determination is required to complete it to the standard required in the time available. Computer Science is not offered to GCSE, so the level of effort required right from the start of this course is one of the highest. Those aiming to study the subject at university should seriously consider studying Maths to A-Level.
A-Level: Two theory papers plus a practical project taken at end of Year 13: the Practical Project runs throughout Year 13 At 'A-Level' the practical module involves each student finding, realising and documenting a solution to a serious, real-world problem by producing original program code in a suitable environment. The solution will span all aspects from analysis of the problem, through design to implementation, testing, and evaluation. All aspects must be clearly documented. This project is worth 20% of the total A-Level mark, so is extremely important, and spans most of the upper sixth year in parallel with theory work, so it is not for the faint-hearted!