Sixth Form Courses 2022 to 2023

A Level Computer Science Additional entry requirements: A minimum grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics. A Computer Science GCSE at grade 5 minimum is desirable. Why study Computer Science at Thornleigh Sixth Form? In the digital age it is hard to think of any industries that Computer Science has not influenced. The number of jobs and careers in Computer Science are growing exponentially and it is estimated that there are currently 600,000 technical vacancies currently in the UK; predicted to rise to 1 million by 2020. Computer Science A-Level provides students with outstanding career prospects and develops higher level problem solving skills. Students study the design, development and analysis of software and hardware used to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific and social contexts. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Course Description In A level Computer Science, students learn the principles of computation and algorithms, computer programming, machine data representation, computer systems (hardware and software), computer organisation and architecture, communications and networking, databases and the consequences of using computing. Students will learn how a computer functions and how to design their own programs to utilise the power of computers. It is both analytical and creative, and the best computer scientists can combine the two. You will sit two exams in addition to a non-exam assessment: • Computer Systems (2h 30m) - 40% • Algorithms and Programming (2h 30m) - 40% • Programming Project - 20% The Programming Project is a task of your own choosing, and you will analyse, design, develop and evaluate a solution from start to finish over an extended period of time. This could take the form of a game, simulator, desktop software or mobile app. The project can be tailored to your specific interests to help you on a chosen career path. What support will I receive? All resources will be provided for students and intervention sessions can be accessed outside of the school day, online and during your independent study time. For those students who have previously not studied Computer Science, guidance will be given to complete extended programming work before the course commences. Where will this lead me? Engineering, Health Care, Business, Physics or Maths related subjects. 10 Sixth Form Course Guide