The ICT Department offers Computer Science at Standard and Higher Level.
Students will gain valuable programming skills and an in depth knowledge of how a Computers Hardware and Software operate.

The course will serve as excellent preparation for any student who wishes to study Computer Science, Mathematics, Business Computing or Engineering/Science at University.

It is not necessary to have studied ICT at GCSE though an interest in computers and computer programming is required. Prospective Higher Level students should be competent in Mathematics.

The programme has three Common Core Topics; these are studied by all Standard and Higher Level students. Higher Level students study four additional topics which extend their breadth and depth of knowledge in Computer Science.

The Common Core Topics:

Systems Life Cycle and Software Development ~ deals with the design and development of computer systems from the software point of view ~ the hardware aspects are covered in Computer Systems Fundamentals. The software and systems life cycle are considered and the importance of good analysis and design are stressed.
Programme Construction in Java ~ covers the fundamentals of computer programming using Java, the highly popular Object-Oriented Programming Language.

Computer System Fundamentals ~ covers the hardware architecture of computer systems.

The Higher Level Topics:

Computer Maths and Logic ~ covers Boolean logic (which is the basis of computer circuit design) and the theory related to representing numbers in computers.

Abstract Data Structures and Algorithms ~ covers how computer programmes store and process data. More complex programming concepts are introduced than those taught in ‘Programme Construction in Java’.

Further System Fundamentals ~ in this topic the knowledge gained in ‘Computer Systems Fundamentals’ is extended in breadth and depth.

File Organisation ~ covers the different ways in which Software Engineers organise and access files.

Assessment:

The course is assessed by two examination papers in the second year which account for 65% of the student’s final grade and an extended programming project undertaken in Java which accounts for the remaining 35% of the student’s final grade.

Any students who are interested should see Mr Collins for further information and/or the opportunity to observe a Year 12 lesson.

Any students who are interested should see Mr Collins for further information and/or the opportunity to observe a Year 12 lesson.