A level Computer Science Subject Taster A Level

A level Computer Science Subject Taster A Level Computer Science

A level Computer Science Subject Taster “Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes. ” - Edsger W. Dijkstra

A level Computer Science Subject Taster When someone says, “Computer Science” what do you think of?

A level Computer Science Subject Taster

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Why I chose Computer Science? • I wanted a subject that would be around in the future • A subject that would make a difference to people’s lives on a global scale. The interconnectedness of people in the 21 st century means technology takes down barriers. • I love problem solving from Sudoku’s and computer gaming to creating a new solution to a problem on my allotment • I love to play with geeky toys, e. g. Arduino and may others. • I like the dynamic nature of Computer Science , technology is forever changing. • Every week there is something new and the way that effects society means new problems and new solutions, that is exciting!

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Why choose Computer Science? Technology is embedded in every aspect of our lives. Computer Science is being used help solve many of the world's biggest problems The global job market is actively seeking computer scientists

A level Computer Science Subject Taster

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Growth in IT professional and Computing jobs in the UK (Data from Office for National Statistics: https: //www. ons. gov. uk) Growth in this sector is predicted to continue to grow! Did you know the computer games industry is bigger than the film and music industries combined?

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Skills in Computer Science can offer you Creativity an incredible wide range of jobs! There almost no job sectors which don’t make use of skills related to: - Information Technology - Computer Science 21 st Century Skills Collaboration Communication

A level Computer Science Subject Taster

A level Computer Science Subject Taster What does the course cover? • Internal computer components • Cyber-security • Data representation • Effect of digital technology on society • Programming • Networking and the Internet • Software development

A level Computer Science Subject Taster AQA A level course structure How is it assessed Paper 1: Paper 2: Practical programming experience On-screen exam 2 hour 30 minutes Written exam 2 hour 30 minutes Marked by your teacher and moderated by AQA. 100 marks Worth 40% 75 marks Worth 20% Compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions. Assesses student's ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. How much is it 100 marks worth Worth 40% Other information Students answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an electronic answer document provided by AQA.

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Get reading The Cuckoo’s Egg Cliff Stoll – story of how hackers used weaknesses in computers in the 80’s to hack US Government data. Al Sweigart’s books – Hacking Secret Ciphers with Python, Making Games with Pygame are great books to practice programming Code breaking puzzle books – Bletchley, Turing, GCHQ all make them as do many others Video games can be fantastic at making you solve problems from Professor Layton on DS to bigger games on PS 4/Xbox One

A level Computer Science Subject Taster Where to get more information • Ms H Robinson (Head of Computer Science) • AQA Exam board website: https: //www. aqa. org. uk/subjects/computerscience-and-it/as-and-a-level