Engaging and practical, computer science is a subject which encourages students to solve problems and unleash their creativity. In the course of this study, students will also develop an understanding of the core concepts of computer science. The course comprises two main strands and, throughout the entirety of the course, students will be given the opportunity to undertake a number of programming challenges using a variety of high-level programming languages.

The first strand introduces students to the central processing unit, computer memory and storage, data representation, networks, system security and system software. It also looks at the ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with computer science. The second is where students develop skills and understanding in computational thinking: algorithms, programming techniques, producing robust programs, computational logic and translators.

Students sit two exams in the summer of Year 11 and assess the students understanding of the two strands studied throughout the course and the programming techniques they have learned. Each exam is worth 50% of their final grade. A GCSE in Computer Science leads to further study at A-Level and university and ultimately a career in software development, across a number of different sectors, cybersecurity, database administration, systems analysis and more!