The Joseph Rowntree School

KS5 - Computer Science

A Level

This course will be taught at Huntington School

Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles to real-world systems, using computational thinking, helping to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

The course comprises 2 written examinations (40% each) and 1 programming project (20%).

COURSE CONTENT

The first unit is based around computer systems and covers a wide range of topics relating to Computer science and linked to ICT in the real world. These are:

 

  • Systems Architecture
  • Memory and storage
  • Wired and wireless networks
  • Network topologies, protocols and layers
  • System software and security
  • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

 

The second unit is based around computational thinking, algorithms and programming. This is the theoretical unit that links the knowledge required to complete the practical aspect of the course. The content of this unit includes:

 

  • Algorithms
  • Programming techniques
  • Producing robust programs
  • Computational logic
  • Translators and facilities of languages
  • Data representation

 

The third unit of this course is the Non-Exam Assessment the Programming Project. This unit requires the students to complete a programming project independently and covers the key programming principles. This includes:

 

  • Programming techniques
  • Analysis
  • Design
  • Development
  • Testing and evaluation and conclusions
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