Sir John Deane's Programme of Study 2019/20 Programme | Page 29

Computer Science STUDY LEVEL CONTACT DETAILS A level Chris Capey, Head of Department [email protected] Computer Science is the study of modern technology and how it is developed using rapidly changing applications. You’ll use the industry’s leading software and your logical thinking skills to lay the foundations for your future on this fulfilling course. What will I study? This is a practical course with an emphasis on developing skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication to prepare you for university and employment. Throughout the course you will cover the essential components of hardware to operate a computer, along with the theoretical cycle that allows processing to be possible. You will also cover other topics such as problem solving, logic gates and some elementary Boolean Algebra. Programming and development skills are taught in a high level language. Ultimately, you should be able to write and develop your own complex programs by the end of the two years. Along with the code theory there is also a practical project (worth 20% of the marks) which is a ‘free choice’ project where students solve a real world problem using a high level programming language. The course heavily emphasises logical thinking, which is the only thinking a computer can understand. chance to build robotics and test them on real world scenarios to gauge the challenges we face in modern technology. The College also welcomes regular guest speakers to share their experiences and discuss current projects. Co-curricular activities? Where might it lead? The popular Computing Club and Programming Club means students can enjoy aspects of computer science beyond the A level syllabus. In addition to this, trips to “Computer Science in Action” in London are held where leaders of the industry introduce the newest solutions to tackling some of the most difficult problems in Computer Science. You will also have the Many Computer Science students go on to study Computer Science or similar subjects in Higher Education. A successful computing student will have gained a broad range of transferable skills considered valuable to universities and employers. C SirJohnDeanes A SirJohnDeanes www.sjd.ac.uk 29