Computer Science
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What Our Students Say
"I chose to study Computer Science because I found the content interesting at GCSE and because I wanted to keep my university degree and job options somewhat open in the future; as Computer Science related careers, both in general and within Physics, seem to be rising in demand.
One of the things I like best about the subject is the coursework; the specification is easy enough to follow so we know what is expected of us and getting to program a game is fun and rewarding.
Next year I’m planning to study Physics with Astrophysics at university and taking this subject additionally enables me to do this. As technology is becoming more prominent, especially within physics, this Computer Science A-level will hopefully be of great use to me."
Eilish Mallon
Exam Board: OCR
The A Level Computer Science course at Rugby High is an exciting and highly sought-after qualification that gives learners a deep and thorough understanding of the subject. Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism. This Computer Science qualification develops computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Computer Systems Allows students to gain an appreciation of computing principles, including characteristics of contemporary systems architecture using operating systems, software development, introduction to programming, exchanging data, databases, networks and web technologies and computing-related laws
External examination
2 hours and 30 minutes
40% weighting
Unit 2: Algorithms and Programming Students gain an appreciation of designing solutions to particular problems, how procedural programs are structured, the types of data and data structures, the common facilities of procedural languages, how to write maintainable programs, and how to test and run solutions using algorithms.
External examination
2 hours and 30 minutes
40% weighting
Unit 3: Programming Project Students must select a user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. In this project, students must demonstrate their ability to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement a solution and evaluate their development and final solution.
Internally assessed, externally moderated coursework unit 20% weighting
Extended learning opportunities
During the course there are educational visits to the Cambridge Centre of Computing and The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.
We also work in partnership with Coventry University and National Grid to offer a wide range of learning opportunities for students.
Entry requirements: Grade 6 GCSE in Maths
Contact: Mr S. Quinn, Head of E Learning