Computer Studies/Computing
at Simon Langton Grammar School For Boys, Canterbury · school or sixth form
What the college says
Computer Science offers a course that is an ideal complement qualification for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial. With its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, it is a good foundation for further study and offers students the opportunity to work in many of the projects being offered by the school. The course is not about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language. Instead the emphasis is on computational thinking. Computational thinking is a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. Thinking computationally is an important life skill. Thinking computationally means using abstraction and decomposition. The study of computation is about what can be computed and how to compute it. Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world. For example, we may be computing with DNA at some stage in the future, with computer circuits made of genes. This leads to the question, does the natural world 'compute'? Here is an outline of the units for AQA A level Computer Science. Paper 1 � 40 % of A Level � 2 hours and 30 minutes onscreen practical examination. � Skeleton program is given to student before the examination, which is used to answer short questions and to write a program in the examination. Paper 2 � 40 % of A Level � 2 hours
What you need to get on
Grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science and Grade 6 in Mathsguarantees a place on this course. Please note that applicants must also meet our overall entry requirements of scoring at least a total of 42 points (simply add up all your GCSE grades) and achieve a Grade 4 or higher in both English Language and Mathematics.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
LANGTON LANE, CANTERBURY, CT4 7AS
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · CANTERBURY
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