Computer Science

Why study Computer Science?

Computing and computer technology are part of just about everything that touches our lives from the cars we are driven around in, to the phones we are glued to, to the movies we watch on Netflix, to the ways businesses and governments deal with us. Understanding the different dimensions of computing is part of the necessary skill set for an educated person in the 21st century. Whether you want to be a scientist, develop the latest killer application, or just know what it really means when someone says, “the computer made a mistake”, studying computing will provide you with valuable knowledge and skills.

Studying computing will enable you to solve complex and challenging problems with imagination and creativity. It will develop your resilience and attention to detail.

When coding a software solution, you will frequently work in a team and can learn with and from others. Whether you choose to follow a career in computing or not, the knowledge, problem solving, and logical thinking skills gained are transferable and will be an advantage in any other field of study.

Computing is one of those subjects where it is almost impossible to predict what will happen next and future employers will be seeking young enthusiastic applicants with a knowledge of computer science.

The Course

You will follow the Pearson Edexcel Computer Science course. The course consists of six main areas of study:

Computational thinking

You will develop a set of computational thinking skills that enable you to understand how computer systems work. You will design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems.

Programming

You will learn how to program in python and become competent at designing, reading, writing and debugging computer programs.

Data

You will learn how different types of data are represented in a computer using binary data.

Computers

You will become familiar with the hardware and software components that make up a computer system and recognise that computers take many forms from embedded microprocessors to distributed clouds.

Networks & Issues/impacts of computing

You will gain an appreciation that computer applications in use today would not be possible without networks and cloud-based technology.

How are you Assessed?

You will complete three assessed components:

Paper 1 50%: The Theory of Computer Science - 1 hour 30mins. This paper covers all topics 1-5 and is a mixture of short-answer, structured questions, medium and extended open response questions.
Paper 2 50%: Problem Solving and Programming- 2 hours. This paper focuses on Section 2 (programming and problem solving). This is carried out in a practical on-screen assessment. Using the same programming environment that is used in the lessons.