A Level - Computer Science

Course Summary

Subject: Computing

Course Title: A Level - Computer Science

Course Types: Sixth Form

Course Level: A-Level

Course Description

Introduction and Course Description

This course is principally concerned with the use of computer technology to solve problems. The course provides a firm base for those students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial. Students will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of the subject. The course goes into more detail about the fundamental principles of Computer Science allowing pupils to form a holistic and comprehensive understanding of algorithms, data handling, computational theory, structure and principles of Computing. The course includes an opportunity to develop a solution to a practical problem, giving pupils experience coding a real-world solution.

Subject Content: Topic list

1. Fundamentals of programming
2. Fundamentals of data structures
3. Fundamentals of algorithms
4. Theory of computation
5. Fundamentals of data representation
6. Fundamentals of computer systems
7. Fundamentals of computer organisation and architecture
8. Consequences of uses of computing
9. Fundamentals of communication and networking
10. Fundamentals of databases
11. Big Data
12. Fundamentals of functional programming
13. Systematic approach to problem solving
14. Non-exam assessment - the computing practical project

Future Opportunities

Candidates are given the opportunity to develop interpersonal, academic and technical skills, which will help them to meet career challenges in the future. The specification also provides a firm basis for further studies in higher education in Computing and related subject areas. Students can study Computing and go on to a career in Medicine, Law, Business, Politics or any type of Science.

Is there anything else I should know?

The practical aspect of the course requires students to spend much of their own time working on developing solutions to problems using computers. This could be by utilising the school computers during study times and attending organised workshops for pupils to share ideas and enjoy further tuition.

Course Entry Guidelines

Students should have a keen interest in the fundamentals of programming, consider themselves a confident programmer at GCSE level and be able to use their initiative and knowledge of programming algorithms to develop these further. Many Universities, which offer Computer Science degrees, also require A Level Mathematics for entry to the course.

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