Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

A level of Computer Science introduces students to a practical and relevant approach to the changing world of Computing. Combined with academic principles, the course is intensely creative combining invention, innovation and excitement enabling learners to develop: • An understanding and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. • The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience in solving such problems, including writing programs to do so. • The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. • The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science. • Mathematical skills. • The ability to articulate (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. In addition to lessons, students will be required to work independently to understand the theory material for the two examinations which they will complete in Year 13. Students will also be expected to develop an understanding of programming in order to prepare for the non-examination programming coursework unit. Skills will also be developed in solving problems, designing systems and understanding the power and limits of human and machine intelligence, preparing them to go on to study Computer Science at a higher level.