We believe that it is crucial for students to have a level of competence in programming language.
Coding empowers you to solve problems and build digital tools, so we want to ensure that all our students are confident coders and are able to use a choice of programming languages depending on the problem they are trying to solve, or the solution they are developing.
At the Maths School you will be able to take AS Computer Science, in addition to A Level Maths, Further Maths and Physics. We teach AS Level Computer Science because coding is incredibly useful and it will help you with Maths and Physics, as a lot of the concepts are the same: algebra, functions, set theory and logic. By studying AS Computer Science you will learn how computer and programming languages are built on a foundation of mathematical logic, whilst giving you the knowledge and freedom to explore coding in a few different languages.
If you think that you don’t like computer programming or that it isn’t for you, our opinion is that you probably haven’t properly been shown what it is. Coding is not a dull mechanical process but something creative and enjoyable, where you create abstract objects which can be used as part of more complex creations. Some people think they won’t like coding because they have a stereotype in their minds about what a coder is like, but we would like to challenge that way of thinking.
If you wish to progress to take the full A-Level in Computer Science you will be able to do so. We expect to have at least one class each year that chooses not to take the AS examinations in Year 12 but continues straight on to the full A-Level course. There will also be plenty of opportunities to experiment and use your coding knowledge in projects to enhance your learning of maths and physics.
If you are interested in studying at the Maths School, find out more about our curriculum or apply here.
