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Computer Science qualifications are, above all else, relevant to the modern and changing world of computing and they are also relevant to the Higher Education community.
The qualification can be tailored to individual student needs and has an open-source ethos allowing you to use any programming language that you wish to. Whilst we teach the course through Python and VB. NET you may choose an alternative language if you wish.
Mr Nicholson,
Head of Computer Science:
snicholson@dsfc.unity-ed.uk
“This subject is highly relevant in the continual changing world of technology. It allows you to become competent and able to engage effectively with technology-based industries. The subject has a particular level of appeal as it enables you to understand the ‘magic’ behind everyday use of computing technology. Computer Science appeals to my methodical and analytical thinking. It is clearly structured and Mr Nicholson makes it fun, relevant and engaging. The subject is challenging and really makes me think. As a result, there is a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction when I complete a tricky task.” (Simon)
The Course
Computer Science is a practical subject where you can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The course values computational thinking, helping you to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.
These are the concepts that lie at the heart of the qualification. They will be the best preparation for students who want to go on to study computer science at a higher level and will also provide a good grounding for other subject areas that require computational thinking and analytical skills. You will also have an excellent foundation to go straight into employment in the industry.
We follow the OCR specification.
The Course
- The qualification will be focused on programming, will build on GCSE Computing and emphasise the importance of computational thinking as a discipline.
- Computational thinking will be at the core of the specification.
- There will be an expanded maths focus.
Assessment
The A Level will consist of three components, two of which will be externally marked question papers making up 80% of the qualification.
The remaining 20% will be the coursework project which will be focused with an emphasis on coding and programming with a simple assessment model and marking criteria.
Entry Requirements
Minimum 66555 including 6 in Computing (if taken) and 5 in Mathematics.
