Computer Science

Professor Dijkstra, a famous computer scientist, once commented: "Computing is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes."

The concept of computational thinking lies at the very heart of Computer Science. Through studying Computer Science at Kingswood, pupils will develop cognitive and complex problem-solving skills.

The study of Computer Science involves a range of languages and development tools that allow pupils to develop their own algorithms to solve real-world problems.

Kingswood offers a wide range of extra-curricular Computing Science activities. These include Arduino robot buggy building, Python programming and cryptography clubs.

KEY STAGE 3

In Computer Science, we are keen to equip pupils for life in a world where they will increasingly need computational thinking skills. In Years 7 and 8 pupils are introduced to the concept of writing algorithms using decomposition and abstraction. They develop a logical approach to problem solving and gain exposure to a wide range of software. By the end of Year 9 they have developed sufficient skills to solve a range of complex computational problems. The course covers both practical and theoretical understanding and is intended to give students the opportunity to develop the Computer Science skills laid out in the National Curriculum.

In addition to computational thinking skills, by the end of Key Stage 3 pupils have gained an understanding and practical use of software skills which are relevant to their everyday learning experiences as well as laying solid foundations for future Computer Science courses at higher levels. They will also understand how computers use algorithms to solve problems and will have developed a core understanding of key programming concepts using a text based language.

GCSE

At the very heart of Computer Science lies the concept of computational thinking. Through studying Computer Science students will develop cognitive and complex problem solving skills - precisely what employers are looking for when students will be entering the workplace and the types of skills that will benefit them across all of their studies. Problem solving, abstraction and decomposition are the key themes of the subject, skills that are all in demand no matter what students wish to do in the future.

Throughout the course students will:

• Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation;

• Analyse and solve problems in computational terms through practical experience including designing, writing and debugging programs;

• Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;

• Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with each other and with other systems;

• Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society;

• Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

A-LEVEL

In Year 12, students have the opportunity to study Computer Science at A-Level, in which the predominant programming languages are Python and SQL. For the A-Level, students have the opportunity to complete extensive computer-based coursework with the possibility of exploring the use of different programming languages independently. Pupils also use the Arduino microcomputer and bread-boards to develop their own robots, employing a variety of motors and sensors and writing a program to make them operate.