A Level Computer Science

Course summary

In studying Computer Science we begin to understand the technologies, theory and protocols behind computers and the Internet. Through this students will understand what is behind radical changes in the modern world made through increasingly powerful and available computational power. Digital systems have become a critical component of our entire society; there is a significant shortfall between estimated numbers of graduates with Computer Science knowledge and jobs requiring this understanding. Topics studied on the course include: 1. Computing principles 2. Algorithms and problem solving 3. Computer systems 4. Algorithms and programming There is also a practical project through which students develop practical skills in the context of solving a realistic problem or carrying out an investigation. Studying Computer Science teaches a set of rigorous techniques and methods which can be applied outside of the field of computing including; approaching problem solving using modelling, decomposing into solvable parts and generalising to known solutions. With its emphasis on abstract thinking, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, A Level Computer Science is a good foundation for further study at University.