Computer Science

Computer Science A Level (AQA)

Why study Computer Science A Level?

Facilities

At FUS we want to be the centre of Digital Education. You’d find it difficult to find facilities like ours in other local schools. In August we completed the building of our Computing and Robotics Centre:

The Computing and Robotics Centre  (CRC)

Completed in August 2019, the CRC is the new centre for digital learning at FUS. The CRC has a dedicated computing classroom with over 30 up-to-date machines and an adjoined digital engineering suite for a full class.

The CRC engineering suite is fully resourced with:

  • 16 Raspberry Pis with inbuilt 7” touchscreens and wall-mounted 19” displays;
  • These computers are connected in their own private Pi-Net Network to allow our students to work collaboratively;
  • A 3D Printer;
  • Brand new class sets of Micro:Bit computers and accessories;
  • Fully equipped with a range of components to provide opportunities for physical computing projects.

 

We are currently in the initial stages of planning two brand new high spec computer rooms for September 2020.

Our facilities allow our computing students to collaborate across our own private computing network to work on projects and ideas. They can also work on the physical network itself putting theory they learn in the course into practice which they are unlikely to be able do in other schools. Our physical computing equipment enables our computing students to put their code into physical objects and apply their coding creations to exciting inventions that will come to life. This is made even better with our own 3D printer facilities to build custom parts for their devices.

Course overview

This course is examined at the end of 2 years with 2 x 150min exam papers (worth 80%) and a programming project (worth 20%).

As an institution we choose Python as our main coding language at all Key Stages. If your child is unfamiliar with Python I plan on running a day of Python training for prospective external students in the summer term (once GCSEs are complete), this is no cost. The course builds upon concepts at GCSE, including fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms. However we take this further with new data types, advanced subroutine use and optimisation algorithms.

We also delve deeper into the computer system itself, where we unravel the vital functions of operating systems, translators and utility software. We look in detail at how logic gates make the machine run. The course explores the wider implications of digital technology in respect to ethical, moral and legal issues. Such as: should AI drive decisions in weapons deployment? How far should we depend on automation for our infrastructure?

For the first time for many students we look into great detail about how network transmits data, including via wires or wirelessly, how encryption is used to secure this and how cyber-criminals try to bend the rules to suit their needs.

The main coursework element is known as The Programming Project. Where a student will pick an area of interest to them, where they will create a programme to try and solve a problem or answer questions to an investigation. The possibilities at this point are endless and could range from the creation of a computer game, machine-learning algorithms or the simulation of anti-virus software.

All aspects are brought together and assessed in the two final exams in Year 13.

What skills will the students develop during the 2 years

  • More advanced programming in two languages (Python & Java)
  • Computational thinking skills including advanced decomposition, optimisation and abstraction.
  • Organisation and project management skills
  • Electrical engineering skills in our digital engineering suite