A-Level - Computer Science

Computer Science delves into the technical side of Computing and software development. It is designed to provide a detailed technical understanding of theoretical, mathematical and practical aspects of Computing.

A-Level Computer Science is a two year course. The first year has two distinct sections. In the first section, fundamentals of software development including programming and data structures are studied. This unit is designed to develop their computational thinking and is assessed through a combination of exam questions and a programming test in an on-screen exam. The second section covers a wide range of supporting technical knowledge including different representation and calculation of numbers, encryption, logic, system software, networking and a section on the moral, ethical and legal consequences of the use of computers.

This is assessed through a written exam. In the second year, the syllabus develops students' understanding of these sections further and introduces algorithms, the idea of big data and develops their knowledge of database systems.