Computer Science
From apps to AI
At RIC the Computer Science courses offer a vibrant mix of theory and hands-on learning that keeps students ahead of the curve. The curriculum dives into the nuts and bolts of programming, algorithms, and even explores cutting-edge areas like AI and cybersecurity. It’s all about making sure students aren’t just learning, but doing.
What’s really nifty about RIC’s approach is the project-based learning. Students tackle real-world problems, from crafting simple apps to designing complex systems, making sure they deploy actual coding and problem solving.
Andy Smith, Head of Computer Science says: "Programming is a pursuit for curious problem solvers and creative minds. It develops logical thinking alongside creativity."
A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human
Exam Specifications
Assessment
20% coursework, 80 % exam based (2 x 40% exam papers)
Coursework
Independent Project – Students have between September of their final year to March (six months)to create a prototype product for a client and write a report containing analysis, design, code, visual output & evaluation. Projects are commonly written in SQL, Java, Python
Typical examples have included:-
Mobile app for teachers and students to communicate room changes, instant work feedback, homework, key announcements etc
A fully 3D created videogame
League of Legends web-based leader board and marketplace
Database for a private company
Examinations
Paper 1: Computing Fundamentals
The history of Computing & The Internet
Inside of a computer (Components, RAM/ROM/Virtual storage/Cache/Cores/Clock speed)
Input/Output/Process
Storage devices (Magnetic, Flash & Optical)
Fetch/Decode/Execute Cy cle + ALU/CIR/MDR/MAR/PC (How a computer really works)
Binary/Hexadecimal/ASCII & UNICODE
Compression & Encryption
Little Man Computer (LMC) assembly programming
Databases / Networks / Web Technologies
Applications & System Software (Open & Closed source software + Utilities)
Legal, social, moral & ethical issues (computer law + real world issues)
Paper 2: Algorithms & Programming
* Introduction to programming basics and techniques (Learning Java, HTML, Python, Javascript, SQL, Pseudocode)
* Waterfall model + User Centred Design
* Algorithms & Flowcharts
• Advanced Binary (addition and subtraction)
Assessment method
00% examined. Two written exam papers, completed at the end of the course, plus one or more compulsory ungraded programming tasks completed during normal lessons.
Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes
Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes
Component 01 – Computer Systems
In this component students will be introduced to the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory and storage, data representation, wired and wireless networks, network topologies, system security and system software. They will also become familiar with the impact of ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns associated with Computer Science in a global context.
Component 02 – Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming
This component builds on Component 01, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and understanding using computational thinking. Students will be introduced to algorithms and programming, learning about programming techniques, how to produce robust programs, computational logic, translators and facilities of computing languages.
Practical Programming
Students will create solutions to problems in a suitable high-level programming language such as Python. They must create a suitable test plan with appropriate test data. Programming provides students with practical experience of the development of algorithms through coding, enabling a better insight into algorithm-based exam questions which will be tested mainly in Component 02 part B.
Curious about Computer Science?
Read
Explore New Worlds
Get a wider perspective by exploring some of the leading and bleeding edge developments in the field of computing.
Computer Scientists Play Key Role in First Image of Black Hole. NASA. April 2019. | RIC LINKhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyRXt6zfZLeNev4PgSD1qLQSzESi8y6K/view ?usp=sharing
RSC joins forces with Intel and The Imaginarium Studios. Press release 2016. | RIC LINK https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWQ3AkOXN0QAIBT_eyfm0Ub- kgwPhMv5/view?usp=sharing
Watch
Keep An Eye On Developments
Computer Science is changing everything | WEB LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvyTEx1wyOY
What do programmers actually do? | WEB LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4a7_HH9Wbg
Code
Learn To Speak Python Some of the languages that will be covered as part of the A Level are Python, SQL, Assembler, HTML, CSS and Javascript.
Think Creatively, Think Beyond
Learning to code is not just for coders | WEB LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvTSPwftvyo
Map Of Computer Science gives a general overview of the subject extending to degree level concepts and beyond. | WEB LINK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzJ46YA_RaA
Programming as an art form by Andy Smith, Head of Computer Science at RIC
Coding with wonder