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Case studyLucy
Case study
I chose Computer Science as I am interested in learning about how things work and as part of the course one of the things you learn is how computers work and how they can be used to do different tasks.
I chose Computer Science as I am interested in learning about how things work. One of the things you learn is how computers work and how they can be used to do different tasks.
Computer Science (A Level)
Assessment- Year 1 and 2
80% exam; 20% coursework - Exam board
OCR
What Will You Learn?
Study the 'ins and outs' of Computer Systems focussing on the development of strong computational, algorithmic, and problem-solving skills. You will study everything from the impact of smart devices you use every day, to advancements in quantum computing. You will also develop your independent programming skills to create advanced systems from the ground up.
Modules
Module 1: Computer Systems
Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. The resulting knowledge and understanding will underpin their work in module 3.
It covers:
- The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
- Types of software and the different methodologies used to develop software
- Data exchange between different systems
- Data types, data structures and algorithms
- Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues.
Module 2 Algorithms and Programming
This builds on module 1 to include computational thinking and problem-solving.
It covers:
- What is meant by computational thinking (thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally etc.)
- Problem solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems
- Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.
Module 3: Programming Project
Students are expected to apply the principles of computational thinking to a practical coding programming project. They will analyse, design, develop, test, evaluate and document a program written in a suitable programming language. The project is designed to be independently chosen by the student and provides them with the flexibility to investigate projects within the diverse field of computer science.
Special Features
Even with no programming skills, we start from the ground up to ensure you become an excellent programmer over the course of 2 years.
We run and take part in a number of activities and trips such as:
- Hack Manchester (OSFC Hack Events)
- Great British Olympiad (Cambridge University)
- Aucoda Programming Program
- University Trips
- Amazon Fulfilment Centre
- Bletchley Park
- Manchester Airport
- Overseas Trips (Berlin and Brussels)
In addition to this, you will study in state-of-the-art facilities in a newly refurbished digital learning space and in classrooms where digital students can study independently.
Where Will This Lead?
From this course, students will have the option to go onto a range of university courses across the country to study Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, App. Design and Development, Games Design and creation degrees. In addition to this, there are a large range of degree apprenticeships and direct employment opportunities.
