Sixth Form Options Booklet

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Sample topics for the project include:

a stock trading system, developing automated trading algorithms a revision guide for the Apple iPhone a maze-solving computer game an aeroplane simulation demonstrating the principles of flight a rugby team selection program (using the ‘greedy algorithm’) The second year of the course

Advanced Problem solving, programming, operating systems, databases and networks. Sample topics: Turing machines; syntax diagrams; object-oriented programming (C#), networks. Conceptual and philosophical issues in Computer Science, such as complexity, intractability and Artificial Intelligence Legal, social and ethical implications of Computing Completion of the project building on the work from the first year Computer Science is highly thought of as an A Level qualification. The specification was developed with universities and employers to meet their requirements. The subject closest to Computer Science is Mathematics since Computing was created largely by mathematicians and much of the content is most readily understood by those with good mathematical skills. There is nothing like trigonometry or calculus in Computer Science, but similar processes of logic and deduction are found throughout, for example when manipulating numbers in different bases (binary and hexadecimal) and Boolean algebra. One of the important outcomes of completing A Level Computer Science will be the ability to think computationally: to analyse and solve problems, produce algorithms, transfer problems to a computer, specify a computer system, and think logically. The subject involves approaches to knowledge and problems that are not found elsewhere. It is helpful to have taken GCSE Computer Science as preparation and it is expected that most pupils will have this background. Those who have not, but are nevertheless enthusiastic are encouraged to apply, and we will then discuss suitable preparations for the A Level. Prior interest in computing such as creating web pages or hobby programming is very useful.

Please see Mr. Feleppa for more details.