Computer Science is an exciting and intellectually challenging subject that influences practically every aspect of modern life. It appeals to both the creative and scientific interests and the skills it teaches such as computational thinking and problem solving can be applied to every walk of life. Computer Science
Computer Science goes from strength to strength at the College, this year seeing the introduction of the new iCGSE course and programming taught to all boys up to Year 8. All boys enter the UK Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge, which contains engaging logic problems that can be solved with computational thinking skills. We finished with seven boys in the Hall of Fame for 2015 and two in the Grand Final hosted by Oxford University. ‘I love programming because I find it fun to code and it’s a wonderful feeling when it works.’ Yuki Suter, Year 8 Learning outside the classroom is critical and we seek to promote Computer Science primarily through two clubs that run weekly. The Lower School Progamming Club focuses on practical programming, as applied to robotics. Boys use the BBC Micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi to design and implement their own programs, solving whatever problem they wish. They then move on to construct their own robots using a variety of equipment and programming languages. ‘I like programming because it teaches me things I never thought I could do.’ Aiden Guppy, Year 8
The Middle and Upper School Programming Club continues in the same manner with more advanced programming techniques and skills introduced, including object-orientated game design and mobile phone app development. Visits from OAs currently studying Computer Science at university are invaluable for inspiring those keen to take their passion even further to advanced studies and a computer-based career.
Micro:bits @ DC.
Boys are encouraged to enter a number of external coding competitions including The British Informatics Olympiad, PA Consulting Raspberry Pi Competition and the PyJam competition. Boys work in teams to solve complex, real-world problems, putting into practice all the computational thinking and programming skills they have learned, both in the classroom and beyond, with considerable success.
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