1. Welcome to Computer Science

2. How is A’ level Computer Science assessed?
Year 1
Unit 1 Practical
Theory of computation. Fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms.
End of year 1 assessment.
Unit 2 Theory
Fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, organization and architecture, communication and networking. Software development and consequences of uses of computing.
Year 2
Unit 1 Practical
Theory of computation. Fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms.
150 min on-screen exam. 40% of A’ level.
Unit 2 Theory
Fundamentals of data representation, functional programming, computer systems, organization and architecture, communication and networking. Big data and consequences of uses of computing
150 min written exam. 40% of A’ level.
Project Practical
Individual programming project of the candidates own choice
20% of the A’ level

3. What does Computing involve?
Theory
the main components of a computer
how data and instructions are held.
how an algorithm is designed and run on a computer
Practical
how to plan a computer program to solve a problem
how to code your solution in Java

4. Why bother studying Computer Science?
Algorithms are all around. Computer science helps us understand the world we live in.
You can have much more control over the computer
It is a challenge!
It is fun!
Sutton trust 2014

5. Should I have some knowledge of programming already?
You can learn to program right from scratch… BUT
You will need:
To learn the basic rules of a computer language
To have a logical approach to problem solving
To be able to follow instructions carefully!
To be very patient
– if it doesn’t work at first,
try again!

6. What support is available?
subject workshops
talks and trips
materials on Moodle VLE
library resources
teacher help outside lessons
course textbook and course booklets
regular tests relevant to both theory and practical exams
many web sites relevant to the course
each other – students often work together and support each other
other Computer Science lessons (if free)
department resources (textbooks for wider reading / micro-controllers)
IT department technical help

7. What else can I do? work on my own projects
work on challenging extension problems
enter for the British Informatics Olympiad
take part in the national student robotics competition
take part in the national cipher challenge
participate in a STEM project
gain a CREST award for research
apply for a summer placement at a University or business
research and gain an AS EPQ in year 2

8. What do students who have done this course say?
It is good fun and I have learnt useful skills
Great course, great class atmosphere
Enjoyed it and might open career path
This course provides a good introduction to programming
I loved being able to decide how to solve my own problems - it really gave me a sense of creative freedom
This course is challenging yet very fun
It's not all coding. There's a lot of theory work involved
I felt the course really furthered my knowledge about hardware and programming. It has given me a good basic understanding

9. What do students advise?
Be sure of the difference between computing and ICT
Learn code by writing a fun program
Learn your theory – it’s not just all programming
Be prepared to complete all work set

10. What is the difference between Computer Science and IT?
Computer Science: is an exam based subject – you need to be logical (generally good at Maths), a good problem solver, persistent and patient. You will learn to program in Java from scratch. You will learn how to break down problems of all kinds into small steps (algorithms) that can form the framework of a computer program. Need GCSE grade 6 (B) in Maths and English.
IT (Cambridge technical qualification): 100% internally assessed coursework – you need to enjoy problem solving using software including HTML, HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. You will be working to a brief focused on meeting client requirements. Need GCSE grade 4 (C) in Maths and English.