My name is Thomas, and I am currently studying computer science in the sixth form for many reasons. For one, I have always loved working with computers; understanding how computers work and how to program them has always fascinated me, I am glad I took computer science for GCSE and Sixth form because it allows me to pursue my passion and develop a deeper understanding for the subject.
At AS level you do learn new topics, however, what I enjoy more is that you develop on what you’ve learned at GCSE with more complex proofs and background as to the development of the computer and how it works. I’ve found it particularly interesting learning about how a computer hashes data in a table to store it more efficiently, as at first glance it appears that there is no sort of order to the data stored when there is a sophisticated sorting algorithm in the background that speeds up storing and retrieving data.
A common misconception with computer science is that you only learn to program and code, however, the reality is there is a lot more theory work. What you do learn is the fundamentals of programming, how to code in visual basic and standard Java in Greenfoot which you use to create your own system respective to a set task or in order to correct a pre-made system with errors. The rest will allow you to learn the cool stuff like why a computer works, why it stores data in many different ways despite it ultimately being in binary, and many other interesting topics that will definitely catch your eye if any of this struck a chord with you!
Good Luck!
Thomas AS/A2 Computer Science
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