Page 24 - The Sixth Form Course 2021

Entry Requirements
GCSE in Computing is recommended, but not essential. Some experience of and an interest in programming.
This A Level would suit candidates who are...
• Interested in computing and the role technology takes in our society
• Enjoy working in an independent way
• Want to develop their problem-solving and programming skills
• Enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to their own lives and experiences
• Would like to follow a creative or scientific career path
Course Content and Examinations
A Level Computer Science will allow you to develop your understanding of computing and also develop your programming skills.
The theoretical aspects will cover networking, databases, how computers work, how we represent data inside a computer and issues around computing in the world today. Most of these theoretical aspects will be covered using practical examples and involve getting hands-on with the relevant technology.
We will be programming in Python and look to cover the main constructs alongside developing problem solving skills. As part of the A-level you will be taught object- oriented programming (OOP) along with exposure to a wide variety of algorithms and techniques. As programming is a skill you will be expected to expose yourself to it outside of lesson time and there are many useful sites that can build up programming knowledge.
Computer Science
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Course Specification A Level ⏐ AQA 7517
Head of Department ⏐ Mr M J Colliver
The course is assessed by two papers at the end of the Upper Sixth alongside a piece of non-examined assessment (NEA). Paper 1 is completed in the computer lab and based around programming. Having worked with some ‘skeleton code’ during lesson time students will be expected to modify and extend it during the examination.
Paper 2 is a traditional written paper and covers the theoretical aspects of the subject. The NEA is started in the Lower Sixth and is an opportunity to design and implement a computing solution to an identified need or problem. Previous projects have included iOS games, parents' evening booking systems, neural networks to play noughts and crosses and 3D texture generators.
Where could this subject take you?
A Computer Science A Level is a good qualification for many computing related degrees at university. Whilst it might not be a required subject it is recognised as a challenging and rigorous A Level. To follow a computing related subject at certain universities will require a mathematics A Level and this is worth researching beforehand if necessary.
Over the last few years we have had computing students go to Oxbridge to read computing and a group of students going to study for computer gaming degrees alongside students opting to study engineering, mathematics and other science based degrees. We have also welcomed both music and art A Level students who have enjoyed studying computing and linked this into projects produced for their coursework.