Computer Science

The Rosetta Code website is useful for looking at programming problems and how they can be solved in different programming languages.

https://rosettacode.org/wiki/Category:Programming_Tasks

Craig N Dave video tutorials are fantastic for re-visiting topics. The idea with these is that you use the video clip in conjunction with the Cornell note taking method. This helps you to learn key terms and be able to apply them in context.

Craig N Dave OCR A Level Computer Science (You Tube clips)

Cornell note taking method;

https://craigndave.org/cornell-note-taking/

The OCR website has useful links to past papers, the course specification, and exemplar completed and assessed A Level projects.

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

w3schools is the place to look if you want to learn a new programming language. You can learn everything from SQL to JavaScript!

https://www.w3schools.com/

The Future Learn website has a whole variety of Computer Science related courses available free of charge. A great place to follow a structured course in either Object Orientated Programming or Computational Thinking, for example. Most courses on offer are provided by universities and therefore provide something extra that can be added to your CV or personal statement.

https://www.futurelearn.com/

Accessing work from home - Students in all years have a Google Classroom account where most lesson materials and home study can also be found. This can be accessed by students using their school Gmail accounts on any device.

Programming - The link below is very useful for students who wish to practice their programming but might not have Python, SQL or JavaScript installed locally.

https://www.w3schools.com/

OCR A Level Computer Science: 

• Examination Level: A Level
• Examination Group: OCR
• Examination Value: 80%
• Examination Code: H446

 The course contains 3 units with the AS and A Level content taught in tandem:

• Component 1 Computer Systems: 2 ½ hour exam, 140 marks, worth 40% of the overall qualification. A series of short and longer answers questions.
• Component 2 Computational Thinking and Programming: 2 ½ hour exam, 140 marks, worth 40% of the overall qualification.  A series of short and longer answers questions.
• Component 3 Practical Programming Project: 70 marks worth 20% overall. Marked internally and moderated by OCR.

SOW overview

Component 1 Computer Systems:

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices.
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
•  

Component 2 Computational Thinking and Programming:

2.1 Elements of computational thinking

2.2 Problem solving and programming

2.3 Algorithms

Component 3 Practical Programming Project:

Student led programming project using a language of their choice. The project is split into analysis design, implementation, testing and evaluation sections.

Students will complete elements from Component 1 and 2 throughout Year 12 with planning work for Component 3 starting in the summer term of Year 12. Year 13 will see students complete their Component 3 and the remaining sections of 2.2 and 2.3. In the latter stages of Year 13 students will revise the topics covered in Components 1 and 2 in readiness for the A Level examination in the summer of Year 13.

We offer support every Friday after school in room 118 between 3.30 – 4.10 for our KS4 and 5 students. This session is for any student who would like to further develop their skills and understanding of GCSE and A Level Computer Science. These sessions are run by Mr Coulson.

Software & Web Development

• Software Engineer/Developer: Designs, writes, and tests code to build computer applications, mobile apps, or operating systems.
• Web Developer: Focuses on building websites and web applications, split into Front-End (user-facing), Back-End (server/database logic), or Full-Stack (both).
• Mobile App Developer: Programs specifically for mobile platforms like iOS or Android.
• Games Developer: Combines computer science and creative design to program video games for consoles, PC, or mobile. 

Data & Intelligence

• Data Scientist: Collects, cleans, and analyses complex datasets to help organizations make data-driven decisions.
• Machine Learning / AI Engineer: Builds algorithms and predictive models that allow machines to learn from data and mimic human intelligence.
• Data Engineer: Designs the architecture and pipelines needed to store, process, and transfer massive amounts of data efficiently. 

Cyber Security

• Cyber Security Analyst: Monitors networks for security breaches and implements measures (like firewalls) to protect sensitive data.
• Penetration Tester: Legally hacks into computer systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.
• Forensic Computer Analyst: Investigates cyber-crimes and recovers data from compromised or destroyed hardware. 

Infrastructure & Operations

• Cloud Engineer: Builds and manages scalable, cloud-based infrastructure using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• DevOps Engineer: Bridges the gap between software development and IT operations to release code faster and more reliably.
• Network Engineer: Designs and maintains the physical and virtual communications infrastructure (like LANs and WANs) for a business.

Systems & Architecture

• Systems Analyst: Evaluates an organization's current computer systems and procedures to recommend hardware and software optimizations.
• Database Administrator (DBA): Ensures databases run efficiently, securely, and are properly backed up.
• Solutions/Technical Architect: Maps out the high-level design for complex IT and software systems. 

Design, Research & Education

• UX/UI Designer: Focuses on the user experience and interface, ensuring software and websites are intuitive and accessible.
• Computer Science Researcher: Works at the theoretical level (often in academia or large tech labs) to advance fields like cryptography or quantum computing.
• Computer Science Teacher: Educates the next generation of technologists at the secondary or university level

Congratulations to the Year 13 students on achieving:

Computing                      

Grades A*-C   100%

We have visited Bletchley Park, home of the code breakers in WW2 with Year 9 and 10 students.  Students enjoyed discovering more about the development of the Enigma machine and the history of computing.

We are planning a trip to the Museum of Computing in Cambridge for Year 9,10 and 11 students.