A LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE
REF: CD
Description
Students will develop their computational thinking and problem solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages.
They will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies.
Additionally, Information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling are studied.
Assessment
Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests.
Homework
Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of researching key concepts, quizzes for recapitulation and subject related fun, completion of coursework.
Reporting
Parents have 24/7 access to all of their children’s coursework, grades and teacher feedback. Additionally parents can arrange consultations with teachers at mutually convenient times.
COURSE OUTLINE
Students will gain knowledge and understanding of computer studies by studying the key topics – see key topics section below. Students gain technical skills, as well as being able to effectively test and evaluate computing solutions. Studying A Level Computer Science will help students appreciate computing technologies, how they can be used and the potential risks.
KEY TOPICS TAUGHT
1. Theory fundamentals
1.1 Information representation
1.1.1 Number representation
1.1.2 Images
1.1.3 Sound
1.1.4 Video
1.1.5 Compression techniques
1.2 Communication and Internet technologies
1.2.1 Networks
1.2.2 IP addressing
1.2.3 Client- and server-side scripting
1.3 Hardware
1.3.1 Input, output and storage devices
1.3.2 Main memory
1.3.3 Logic gates and logic circuits
1.4 Processor fundamentals
1.4.1 CPU architecture
1.4.2 The fetch-execute cycle
1.4.3 The processor’s instruction set
1.4.4 Assembly language
1.5 System software
1.5.1 Operating system
1.5.2 Utility programs
1.5.3 Library programs
1.5.4 Language translators
1.6 Security, privacy and data integrity
1.6.1 Data security
1.6.2 Data integrity
1.7 Ethics and ownership
1.7.1 Ethics
1.7.2 Ownership
1.8 Database and data modelling
1.8.1 Database Management Systems (DBMS)
1.8.2 Relational database modelling
1.8.3 Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML)
2. Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming
2.1 Algorithm design and problem-solving
2.1.1 Algorithms
2.1.2 Structure chart
2.1.3 Corrective maintenance
2.1.4 Adaptive maintenance
2.2 Data representation
2.2.1 Data types
2.2.2 Arrays
2.2.3 Files
2.3 Programming
2.3.1 Programming basics
2.3.2 Transferable skills
2.3.3 Selection
2.3.4 Iteration
2.3.5 Built-in functions
2.3.6 Structured programming
2.4 Software development
2.4.1 Programming
2.4.2 Program testing
2.4.3 Testing strategies
3. Advanced Theory
3.1 Data representation
3.1.1 User-defined data types
3.1.2 File organisation and access
3.1.3 Real numbers and normalised floating-point representation
3.2 Communication and Internet technologies
3.2.1 Protocols
3.2.2 Circuit switching, packet switching and routers
3.2.3 Local Area Networks (LAN)
3.3 Hardware
3.3.1 Logic gates and circuit design
3.3.2 Boolean algebra
3.3.3 Karnaugh Maps
3.3.4 Flip-flops
3.3.5 RISC processors
3.3.6 Parallel processing
3.4 System software
3.4.1 Purposes of an operating system (OS)
3.4.2 Virtual machine
3.4.3 Translation software
3.5 Security
3.5.1 Asymmetric keys and encryption methods
3.5.2 Digital signatures and digital certificates
3.5.3 Encryption protocols
3.5.4 Malware
3.6 Monitoring and control systems
3.6.1 Overview of monitoring and control systems
3.6.2 Bit manipulation to monitor and control device
EQUIPMENT
Computer, broadband internet connection
THE TEACHER
Your teacher is a computer scientist and enthusiastic educator. His passion and enjoyment of the subject and of teaching makes for exciting and memorable lessons. Students are quickly and effectively taught the content and perform tremendously well in examinations.