Informatics/Computer Science

Computer Science continues to thrive at the College and is now taught in five purpose built Informatics Suites in the new Laboratory. Elements of computational thinking, logic and problem solving are taught in Years 7 and 8, both at a theoretical level and more practical with Micro:bits, Raspberry Pis and robotics. Coding in a more graphical format is also covered at this point.

These skills lead to the opportunity to take the recently introduced iGCSE in Computer Science which develops greater programming skills as well as delving deeper into every aspect of computers into today’s society.  In the Upper School boys can take an A level in Computer Science where they will cover a number of programming languages including Visual Basic and Python as well as HTML, CSS and Javascipt. Shorter courses based on computer game creation are also available for every boy to study.

The College has had much success with the BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge with frequent entries on the Hall of Fame as well as victories in other Computer Science competitions. The Programming Club meets weekly to collaborate on various projects, to hear speakers and to talk with several OAs who have embarked on a career in computer science.

Many of the boys go on to study Computer Science at university leading to successful careers in a number of different areas. The teaching of Computer Science at the College aims to give every boy problem solving and logic skills that can be applied to a wide variety of situations and will serve him well in his future career.