A level Computer Science at Ashbourne is an intensely creative and exciting subject that equips students with the skills and language to create innovative software programs with potentially far-reaching applications in the real world.
Almost every aspect of modern life is affected by computing from running our personal and social lives using the internet, mobile devices and home appliances, to complex programs that help businesses and public services run smoothly. Vast networked systems of computers control global communication, trade, finance and transportation, and much more besides.
Studying Computer Science will open a window for you to discover how computers work and enable you to design and determine what they do. Given that Artificial Intelligence is fast shaping world we live in it is vital to open this field to a wide and diverse community who can begin to represent those around them. You will need a good grasp of Maths and be willing to learn the language of code. Once you crack it though you will be able to deconstruct it and build up your own vocabulary.
You will also become a skilled problem solver able to analyse and break down problems to find the most efficient and effective solutions. After a while you will apply these skills to your everyday life not just to technical problems.
Ashbourne students will develop a broad technical understanding of Computer Science and will be able to write their own programs using Visual Basic.Net and Python Programming Language – one of the most widely used coding languages today. Ashbourne uses the latest iMacs, connected wirelessly, and Smartboard technology.
Ashbourne students are encouraged to take part in a variety of prestigious competitions, challenges and courses that enable them to expand their understanding in computer science.
Oxford University Computing Challenge
Former student Alex Vlasto won third place in the Bebras Computing Challenge final hosted at Oxford University. He was among the 100 top-achieving finalists selected from more than 50,000 students nationwide. Ashbourne students have also previously won the top prize. The Challenge introduces students to computational and logical thinking.
Cipher Challenge
Ashbourne crypto-busting students have also achieved success at the National Cipher Challenge organised by the school of mathematics at Southampton University. Competitors attempt to break increasingly difficult cryptograms to win the top prize.
MIT and Harvard courses
Year 12 students can enter the MIT or Harvard online computer science course CS50, hosted through edx.org, where they will develop their understanding of computer science and delve into new areas of artificial intelligence, python and game development. Previous student have received excellent feedback on these courses and some have gone on to teach the skills they have learned in year 13 as part of Ashbourne’s extracurricular club programme.
You can go on to study degree courses in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Games Programming. Some of Ashbourne’s students have also created their own websites and produced complex iPhone and iPad applications with support from the college.
Computer Science also offers students the opportunity to explore other pathways: music production; digital art; architecture – computer aided design and modelling; smart fabric design for fashion, healthcare and other industries; communication networks; sports analysis; crime investigation; weather and financial forecasting; 3D printing; virtual reality; audio-visual special effects; and robotics, to name but a few.