Computer Science

Head Of Department: Mr M White
Contact Details: mwh@felsted.org
     
Exam Board: AQA   www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: 8525  
 

 

Why should I study Computer Science?
This is a course that has real relevance in our modern world. Computers are increasingly the enabling devices of the information revolution and computing is present in every corner of society, from manufacturing to telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and entertainment.

You will have the opportunity to understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. You will learn how to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. The course encourages you to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will learn about the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems. You will also look at the impacts of digital technology on the individual as well as on wider society. A trip to the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park will show you how rapidly technology has evolved, as well as how important the code breakers based there were at bringing about an early end to World War II.

 

 

Expectations of independent study
The course material is delivered via Google Classroom so that all assignments and resources can be accessed from anywhere at any time via the internet. Students will be able to
access an Integrated Development Environment on the internet for the programming assignments. Prep is set weekly to reinforce the work covered in lessons. Research will be carried out using resources such as the internet, course texts or access to technical staff, and you will develop additional programs to become more fluent with the Python programming language.

This is an especially exciting time to study Computer Science thanks to developments in technology in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, facial recognition, robotics and driverless transport.

What do the pupils say?
“It opens up doors in later life.” 
“Programming is fun.” 
“The world is getting more advanced, therefore you should get ahead and learn about computer science.”

 

 

What skills will I develop by studying this subject?
The course will help you to develop critical thinking, analysis, problem solving skills, and digital skills.

These transferable skills are assets that will be highly valued by those in further education and employers alike. In this respect, the course provides excellent preparation for pupils who want to study or work in areas that rely on these skills, especially where they are applied to technical problems. These areas include engineering, finance and resource management, science and medicine to name but a few.

Assessment:
Computational Thinking and Programming Skills (Python) 50%
2 hour written paper

Computing Concepts 50%
1 hour 45 minutes  written paper

I look at my work tasks differently now, it makes me plan and think about things more logically

Elliott, Year 10