At its most fundamental level, Computer Science is the study of machines that perform computations. Computations are simply additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions, comparisons etc. By automating these operations humanity has developed all of the incredible technology around us.

In computer science we will see how we can progress form these simple operations to solving increasingly more complex and abstract tasks. We will learn how computers work and how to think in computing terms to solve problems. We will see how we can build computing systems physically (hardware) and abstractly (software). We will learn how to use programming languages to solve real world problems using computers.

Computer Science is an exciting, challenging and highly rewarding subject. It is both highly practical as well as deeply theoretical and technical. It draws upon knowledge from many different fields. The computer scientist will be familiar with ideas from Physics, Mathematics, Design, Business, and more, to create products and solve problems. 

A passing interest in computers and computing is not enough to enjoy, thrive and succeed in a computer science course. Playing and enjoying lots of video games is also not a strong enough reason or rationale to pursue computer science. However, if you would like to know how we can build these kinds of software and how they work “under the hood” then computer science might be the subject for you.

A genuine interest in how computers work and how we can harness their properties to solve problems is a must. To succeed in computer science you must be motivated to program over and above what is covered in class. Practice and exposure to programming and computational problem solving is the only way to gain fluency. 

• Provide opportunities for study and creativity within a global context that will stimulate and challenge students developing the skills necessary for independent and lifelong learning 

• Provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize computer science

• Enable students to apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize computer science 

• Demonstrate initiative in applying thinking skills critically to identify and resolve complex problems 

• Engender an awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication in resolving complex problems  

• Develop logical and critical thinking as well as experimental, investigative and problem-solving skills

• Develop and apply the students’ information and communication technology skills in the study of computer science to communicate information confidently and effectively

• Raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology

• Develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations associated with continued developments in IT systems and computer science

• Encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of the scientific method. 

Past experience shows that students will be able to study Computer Science at Standard Level successfully with no background in, or previous knowledge of, Computer Science. However, prior knowledge from the I/GCSE course would be a distinct advantage.

The study of Computer Science at Higher Level demands a high level of problem-solving skills and the ability to understand and manipulate abstract concepts. It is recommended that students have at least a B grade in Mathematics at I/GCSE and have an aptitude for problem-solving. Prior programming experience is highly recommended; students without this should complete a Java course during the summer.  

While the skills and activities of computer science are common to students at both Standard Level and Higher Level, students at Higher Level are required to study additional topics in the core, a case study and also extension material of a more demanding nature in the option chosen. The distinction between Standard Level and Higher Level is therefore one of both breadth and depth.

Additionally, the Higher Level course has 240 hours devoted to teaching, compared with 150 hours for the Standard Level course.

Students at Standard Level and Higher Level in Computer Science study a common core consisting of:

• • Four topics (system fundamentals; computer organisation; networks; and computational thinking, problem-solving and programming)

  • One option (chosen from databases; modelling and simulation; web science; or object-oriented programming)

  • One piece of internally assessed work, which includes a computational solution.

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The Higher Level course has three additional elements:

• • Three further topics (abstract data structures; resource management; control)

  • Additional and more demanding content for the option selected

  • An additional externally assessed component based on a pre-seen case study of an organization or scenario; this requires students to research various aspects of the subject—which may include new technical concepts and additional subject content—in greater depth.

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