Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Computer Science is the study of Computers, how they work and how to develop them to best solve human needs. In contrast to ICT, in which students would be expected to just use computers, Computer Science aims to give a fuller understanding of how we can make our software to make bespoke solutions to a variety of areas. This course is a direct continuation of the Computer Science GCSE and it is therefore recommended that the GCSE has been undertaken to apply for this course. Students will study all aspects of how a computer functions on a day-to-day basis. This includes advanced data structures for the visualisation of complex problems; the protocols and algorithms involved in communication between computers; and how CPUs process data in both a sequential and parallel fashion to increase system performance. Furthermore, students will take on the study of algorithm design. This area is highly recommended to develop future problem-solving skills. This will include learning to program using the Python programming language, as well as design algorithms in a variety of ways including flow charts and pseudocode. Many of these abstract techniques are used in other areas of business in the modern world. This course will take you to the next level of Computer Science. By the end of this course, you will be ready to take on complete programming products yourself, complete with graphical user interfaces. Furthermore, those looking to complete a career with any software development elements will emerge from the course with the start of a professional portfolio of work to share with employers. This is still commonly done and is brilliant evidence of your ability to code. For those looking to start their own business; you will have enough Computer Science skills by the end of this course to have a strong grasp of production code to create your systems. You just need to be creative. Computer Science is also very logic-based, which delivers excellent analytical and critical thinking skills that can be used in many areas of work, outside of technical fields. Computers will be a big part of everyone’s future. There are an overwhelming number of careers presenting themselves within the working world. Starting a career in Computer Science would open up opportunities in a large number of industries including Application Development, Banking, Education, etc. There are a wide variety of topics you will study. Below is a full list of the topics covered within the A-Level. • Structure and Function of the processor • Type of Processor • Systems Architecture • Application Generation • Software Development • Types of Programming Languages • Compression and Encryption • Databases • Networks • Web Technologies • Advanced Data Types • Data Structures • Boolean Algebra • Moral and Ethical Issues • Computational Methods • Thinking Concurrently • GUI Design