COURSES

Computing
Further information
Progress in science has always been linked with
progress in technology and vice versa. For example,
bacteria were first discovered not by a biologist but
rather by a Dutch merchant who refined the art of
making microscope lenses. Nowadays, it’s typical
for computer scientists to work in other scientific
disciplines. To solve the big scientific problems of
the twenty-first century, such as grappling with new
diseases and climate change, will need people with
diverse skills, abilities, and perspectives. You can
therefore feel confident in combining computing
with any other area of study, not just the traditional
maths and physics combination.
A level Computing is very well regarded by
universities everywhere. Although it is possible to
study Computing at university without an A level
in the subject, it is increasingly hard to do so.
There is an enormous skills shortage in this country
and overseas in the computing industry and the vast
majority of careers in the twenty-first century will
require an understanding of computing.
Movies like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ required
the development of new computing techniques.
Progress on understanding the genetics of disease or
of creating an AIDS vaccine requires professionals to
think in terms of computing, because the problems
are unsolvable without it. Those who understand the
technology can make the new movies and invent the
new techniques, and they are the professionals who
will go beyond simply using what others have invented.
You should have a real interest in computing. If you
have not done GCSE you should be prepared to work
very hard in the first term. After that you will have
caught up. You should like solving problems.
The specification numbers are:
1511 (AS); 2511 (A2)
Full course details can be found at:
www.aqa.org.uk
A grade B in GCSE Mathematics is essential.
For further information, please contact:
Head of Business, Computing and IT, Mr N E Williams,
new@millfieldschool.com
Millfield Sixth Form Courses 2014-2015 31