Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

Computer Science is extremely 'hands on' with the aim of encouraging learners to be inspired, motivated and challenged by following a broad, coherent, practical, satisfying and worthwhile course. It will provide an insight into, and experience of, computational thinking. This will stimulate learners' curiosity and encourage them to engage in problem-solving using computers, emphasising computer programming and algorithms. Unit 1 contains most of the theoretical content of the qualification and is assessed by written knowledge recall and understanding. This unit builds on the learning from GCSE Computing but accommodates candidates with little Computing background. Unit 2 builds on the knowledge gained in Unit 1 and additionally covers the understanding of computational thinking and its application in problem solving, plus abstract, procedural, logical and concurrent thinking. In addition, this unit also covers the development of algorithms. The Unit 3 programming project requires learners to analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a high level programming language e.g. python, C, Java, Visual Basic. Learners are expected to apply principles from an agile development approach to project development.