Computer Studies / Computing

Course summary

This course is for students with an interest in how computers and computer systems work, how they are constructed and programmed. You'll need to have studied ICT or computing at GCSE to move on to onto it. You might be choosing computer science because you're headed for a computing career, though thinking computationally (logically, using reasoning, breaking complicated things down and being able to express instructions precisely) is a skill that can be used in a wide range of other careers too. To study Computer Science A level, you'll need a keen interest in computers and good technical, mathematical and problem solving skills. Computer Science particularly complements subjects such as Science and Maths. 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. You'll learn through a combination of practical hands on experience and theoretical classroom-based learning. There will be the opportunity to take part in computing visits, events and competitions. There will be talks from computer science professionals and visits to industry and university computer science departments.