Computer Science

Why study this subject?

Computer Science & IT impacts everything from banking and finance, to transportation, communication, scientific research to name a few. Everyday objects like cars, fridges, microwave ovens, door locks are now connected to Wi-Fi networks. This is the result of great minds of IT students who took their passion for technology and created devices and computer applications which help us in our everyday living.

You can be one of the people who work on inventions that will take humanity forward.

 Will artificial intelligence (AI) have the answer to problems of humanity?

 Is blockchain and driverless cars the future?

 Can we predict where the next volcanic eruption is likely to happen?

 How about stopping the next major cyber-attack before it happens?

With a Computer Science A Level you learn the concepts and skills that begin to help you answer these questions and many others.

The supporting material for the courses and our facilities make excellent use of latest technologies. The trips to and collaboration with Google, Dell, Microsoft, Intel, HP and Bletchley Park offer students an opportunity to understand potential career opportunities and real-life problems.

What skills will you develop?

Students of Computer Science will develop their analytical skills; they will be able to identify problems and come up with a solution to address it. There is also an emphasis on the development of creativity and resilience in solutions created. A final core skill developed is collaboration. This will include the discussion of ideas as well as developing solutions to problems in teams.

What are the key elements to the course?

This A Level offers candidates the opportunity to explore the fundamentals of problem-solving and representing a solution to a problem, including algorithms, data types, programming basics and software development strategies. For the practical element of this course, students will be completing a programming project where they will be submitting complete program code and evidence of testing using prescribed languages.

As well as being practical in nature, the candidates will be given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the theoretical aspects of Computer Science. This includes the fundamentals of data representation, communication technologies, computer hardware and software, and the consequences of uses of computing. Advanced theory topics will include representing real and negative numbers, protocols, Boolean Algebra and computer security.