Computer Science

What is Computer Science?

Computer Science is not about using computers; it is about controlling and shaping the digital world through programming. The core skills you need are to enjoy logic, reasoning and problem solving.  We take you on a journey of the basics of computers and the fundamental ways in which they work so you gain a much deeper understanding to use on the technologies of the future.

What will I study?

We follow the AQA Computer Science specification, during your studies you will concentrate on developing problem-solving approaches and the practical skills of programming which will give you an insight into how the computer works.

We use Python as the main teaching language, but you will be introduced to a range of programming languages and techniques and explore technology developments such as Cloud computing, functional computing, and big data. 

Assessments

There are two formal exam papers and a piece of coursework.

Paper 1 – 40%

This paper is commonly seen as the programming paper. It is sat on the computer and you will need to answer some theory questions, solve a programming problem and for the final parts the exam board give you some ‘Skeleton Code’ which you will see in advance. In the paper you need to answer comprehension questions about this code, and also program some enhancements or corrections to the code.

Paper 2 – 40%

This is a written paper done in the same conditions as usual exam papers. It will cover all the topics which are not on the paper 1 with a key focus on elements like Databases and Binary.

NEA – 20%

This is your coursework project which you will start in the Easter of year 12 and will work on it until the following Christmas when it will be handed in for the final submission ready for marking. This is a project which you will determine the project yourself and drive the development of a solution to a real world problem. Examples of previous projects include, Business systems, Stock Management Systems, Multiplayer Games, Machine Learning and AI based projects.

Trips, visits and enrichments

We offer a Computer Games Programming enrichment which uses the Defold engine to allow students to develop their own basic computer game in small teams which allows them to replicate the environment you might find in an actual development studio.

We also offer a trip to the National Museum of Computing, subject to interest levels, so that students can go and see some of the history behind the computers and see some of the early, giant room sized machines and even get to see colossus, the computer which helped break the enigma codes, in action.

What can it lead to?

Many students continue to study Computer Science or related courses at university, and go on to careers in computer gaming, engineering, finance, and software development.