
Mathematics
Course Overview This challenging course will encourage you to develop your mathematical skills, improve your ability to think logically and enable yo…
Full course details
Course Overview
This course is designed to introduce you to the principles of Computational Thinking and Software Engineering which help prepare you for a career in the Digital Age.
Assessment: |
Exam (80%) Coursework (20%) |
Duration: | 2 years |
Entry requirements: |
Standard entry requirements, plus grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and grade 4 in English Language or Literature. |
Exam board: | AQA |
Costs: |
£32.99 for textbooks. |
Programme leader: |
You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.
The first year will give you a general introduction to the subject. Your studies will include how your computer stores and manipulates data within main memory using the Stored Program Concept. You will see how Boolean Arithmetic and Logic Gates are used to aid the design of faster processors. You will learn about the binary number system and how data is represented within a computer. You will study the key algorithms and principles upon which modern computing is based and the mathematics of algorithm performance. Most importantly you will be taught how to program in a modern, object orientated programming language – C#. Through developing a systematic approach to programming, you will be able to start planning to undertake a programming project at the end of the first year.
In the second year, you will study basic principles of computational science including network theory and relational database theory. You will develop your knowledge of regular expressions and learn about the fundamentals of functional programming. You will develop your practical skills, analysing, developing and documenting a realistic problem, by completing a computing practical project
This course is fast-moving and challenging. It will appeal to you if you enjoy solving mathematical problems, have a logical way of thinking and enjoy either building things or figuring out how things work. The course assumes no prior knowledge of programming. Students with prior programming experience will find a range of activities to stretch, challenge and innovate.
You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.
A key subject for students planning to continue on to university to study subjects including computer science, software engineering, information systems, music technology, computer game design and programming, networking and electronics.
Last year students went on to a variety of destinations including university courses at Coventry, Royal Holloway, Winchester, Sheffield, Leicester, Kingston, Aberystwyth, Bournemouth and Royal Holloway.
Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into related employment.
There are a variety of options for students considering a career in computing including finance, public sector, telecommunications, business analyst, IT support, sales and more.
A key subject for students planning to continue on to university to study subjects including computer science, software engineering, information systems, music technology, computer game design and programming, networking and electronics.
Name: | ELANOR |
Course: | COMPUTER SCIENCE |
I came to The Henley College from Pipers Corner School. I chose this course as I've always had an interest in the inner workings of computers and their coding. My favourite part of the course was learning to develop coding skills as it is the thing I'm most interested in. The teachers have also been great at providing help and are on hand for advice when needed.
Once I've finished my A Levels I would like to go onto university and study a computer science related course.
When I found out about the course at Henley it motivated me to apply as I hadn't seen a course like it at any other sixth form schools or colleges in the area.