Nature of the Subject

This course enables students to develop essential skills and knowledge in computer science, with a strong focus on computational thinking. 

It introduces students to the fundamental principles of solving problems using computers and equips them with the tools to design effective and efficient solutions.

Students will gain an understanding of how the components of computer systems function together. The course also explores network functionality and internet communication, helping students grasp how data is transferred within and across systems.

Through practical applications, students will learn to apply their knowledge to create computer-based solutions for real-world problems. 

This balanced approach of theory and practice fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing students to tackle challenges in the evolving digital world. 

Syllabus & Content

Section 1 AS level content

1.1 Information representation, Multimedia –Graphics and sound

1.2 Communication, Networks including the internet

1.3 Hardware, Computer and their components, Logic gates and logic circuits 

1.4 CPU architecture. Assembly languages, Bit manipulation

1.5 System software and language translator

1.6 Data security, privacy and integrity

1.7 Ethics and ownership

1.8 Database Management system –DDL and DML 

1.9 Algorithm design and problem-solving

1.10 Data types and structures including array, files and ADT (Abstract data type)

1.11 Programming basics and structured programming

1.12 Program development life cycle - Design, Testing and maintenance

Section 2 A level content

2.1 Data representation, floating point numbers and manipulation

2.2 Communication and internet technologies, Circuit and Packet switching

2.3 Hardware and virtual machines, Boolean algebra and Logic circuits

2.4 Purpose of an Operating system and translation software

2.5 Encryption, Encryption Protocols and Digital certificates

2.6 Computational thinking and Problem-solving

2.7 Programming Paradigms, File Processing and Exception Handling

Assessment

At AS level 

Students take paper 1 and paper 2; 

Paper 1 – Theory Fundamentals which covers 1.1 to 1.8 of the syllabus content

50% of the AS Level 

25% of the A Level

Paper 2 -Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills which covers sections 1.9    to 1.12 of the syllabus content.

50% of the AS Level 

25% of the A Level

At A level 

Students take paper 3 and paper 4; 

Paper 3 - Advanced Theory which covers sections 2.1 to 2.7 of the syllabus content. 

25% of the A Level

Paper 4 - Practical which covers sections 2.6 to 2.7 of the syllabus content, 

25% of the A Level

Teacher Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of Computer Science.  Please watch the video above to hear about the exciting course that is A-Level Computer Science.