Computer Science
Computers and technology are at the heart of almost everything we do. Entertainment, business, transport and education all rely on computers. Understanding computing technology is a vital skill for the 21st century. Studying computer science will equip you with problem solving skills and technical insights that you can apply to a broad range of other disciplines too.
The A-level computer science course focuses on software development skills i.e. programming. However, we study a variety of other topics including how data is stored, networking and internal computer architecture.
We offer A-level Computer Science (AQA). The course is a linear A-level and will be assessed at the end of two years. Assessment is through two examinations (80%) and coursework (20%).
Paper 1 – 40% of course
The focus of this unit is to develop you as an effective problem solver and programmer of computer based solutions to problems. The paper will be a two and a half hour practical examination undertaken on a computer.
Preparation for this exam will be around practical activities writing and developing computer programs in C# in order to solve a variety of problems.
Paper 2 – 40% of course
The focus for this unit is to develop your understanding of computing theory in a variety of areas including data storage, computer architecture, functional programming and networking. This paper will be a two and a half hour paper based examination.
The practical project – 20% of course
This is your opportunity to design, develop and test a system of your own. You have the freedom to build almost anything from apps to games, interactive websites to network tools. The choice is yours! This unit is an assessed piece of coursework.
Note: there is a 10% maths content to the A-level. This will include topics such as Boolean algebra, graph theory and number bases.
If you wish to pursue computing at University then you would probably go on to study Computer Science BSc. Such degrees often demand an A level in mathematics too. However, having studied computing would help you with any science or engineering degree.
In terms of career opportunities the options are plentiful. There are numerous apprenticeships being offered in ICT and there is still an acknowledged skills gap (less people than jobs) in the computing sector.
- We have close industrial links with local employers and visit several companies including Barclays Bank (Knutsford), MBDA (Bolton) and ANS (Manchester) . We have visiting speakers from industry talk to our students.
- We arrange open day events with local universities including MMU, UA92 and Manchester University.
- Students have the opportunity to go on our annual trip to San Francisco and Silicon Valley. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page
Related Courses
Skip CoursesIT BTEC
This course offers a specialist qualification that focuses on aspects of employment within an IT vocational sector. The qualification covers both theory in relation to IT and its place in[...]
Mathematics
This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.
Physics
The Advancing Physics course shows how Physics is exciting, always developing, of great practical use in many ways and in many careers, as well as probing some of the deepest[...]
Latest From Aquinas
In February, 29 students and 4 staff went on a trip of a lifetime to Mumbai to work with the children at the Prem Dan Garden school and also the girls hostel. This was the 20th trip, which made it extra special.
Before the half term break, A level German students took part in an exchange trip to Lübeck, where they attended the Katharineum school. Being fully immersed in the language provided them with a valuable opportunity to enhance their listening skills.
Politics students recently visited a snowy Washington DC is support of their US Government and Politics studies. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was a visit to the New York Times’ Washington Bureau to meet with two of their senior journalists, Special Correspondent Elisabeth Bumiller and White House Correspondent, Zolan Kanno-Youngs.
This week the Head of Theology was invited into St Thomas More, Denton, to deliver a Theology A-Level taster session to their year 10 and year 11 pupils. The pupils studied miracles, and looked at different religious and non-religious definitions of a miracle. The St Thomas More pupils were polite, inquisitive and offered some very […]
