Computer Science
Computer Science allows pupils to explore how computers define the world we live in. Through studying computers and computational systems, their theory, design and application, pupils will develop the skills they will need to solve problems using technology.
Pupils can choose Computer Science as an option from the Shell at which stage the focus of the course is on coding and programming to solve real world problems in the School and the community. Pupils tackle practical tasks individually and in small groups. Building adaptive greenhouses that can detect temperature and climactic conditions is just one example of the sort of project on which they work. The aim of these projects is to give Shells an excellent grounding in coding and informatics, leaving them ready to embark on the GCSE course or to apply their skills outside of the classroom.
At GCSE pupils follow the AQA syllabus with a course covering computational thinking, code training, problem-solving, programming concepts and coding. Pupils will also learn about the theoretical side of computer science and learn about computing concepts which underpin how modern systems work.
At A Level the AQA syllabus has a focus on programming as well as theoretical knowledge. Pupils learn how to code and program in a variety of languages and how computers work and communicate with each other. They learn about the process of writing software and developing an idea into a working application.
Head of Department: Jonathan Hooper