Sixth Form Subject Guide 2019-2021 REDRAFTED Sixth Form Choices Guide | Page 17
A Level Computer Science (AQA)
HEAD OF DERPARTMENT: Mr W Robinson ([email protected])
Entry Requirements Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science or, alternatively, an A grade in Mathematics for those with a
demonstrable aptitude for programming.
Where next? Computer Science is not only an intellectual discipline in its own right but also one that has direct
practical application within many other fields. Computational methods underpin a wide range
of scientific, academic and commercial activities, and studying Computer Science develops both
the student's knowledge and understanding of such methods and an appreciation of when and
how they may be best applied. The logical and analytical skills, which are developed as a result,
are highly sought after in careers at the cutting edge of financial technology, artificial
intelligence, robotics, engineering, "big data", the rapidly developing field of virtual reality and
across numerous fields of business.
Both challenging and intellectually rewarding, Computer Science offers its students what
Seymour Paper, former Professor of Education at MIT and a leading figure in the development
of both artificial intelligence and the beginners' programming language Scratch, described as
"hard fun".
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
A considerable part of both A-level and IB courses is focused on algorithms and data structures, and how these can be
expressed in, and manipulated by, computer programs. Consequently, there is large programming element, particularly
Python. Computer graphics and functional and object-oriented programming are explored as well as networking and
databases.
HOW IS THE COURSE ASSESSED?
Two linear exams sat at the end of two years, plus completion of a course work project in the second year.
Principal languages: Python, ASM, Haskell
Paper 1 (40%) On screen exam
This paper tests a student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of:
Fundamentals of Programming
Fundamentals of Data Structures
Fundamentals of Algorithms
Theory of Computation
Paper 2 (40%) Written exam, testing the student’s knowledge of these aspects
Data Representation
Computer Systems
Computer Organisation & Architecture
Consequences of the use of Computing
Communication & Networking
Fundamentals of Databases
Big Data
Functional programming
Course Work (20%) Solution or investigation of a practical problem, using knowledge and skills in the areas above, as
well as the application of a systematic approach to problem solving.
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