Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. An intensely creative subject combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Completing this course will allow you to value computational thinking, developing the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. You will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. This course will elevate you from computer user to creator of programs and applications. You'll develop your understanding of how computers work. You'll learn software and programming skills and find out more about industry approaches to software development such as agile and waterfall methods. As an assessed component of the course, you'll apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding problem, working through the iterative development process, testing and evaluating your solution. You'll develop the skills of abstract and scientific thinking, problem solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning and understand some of the moral, ethical and legal implications of using digital technology.