COMPULSORY TASK:

So, you're thinking about choosing Computer Science as an A-Level. This task has been put together to help give you the best possible start in September by hitting the ground running.

This task concentrates on material that you should have seen at GCSE.  Naturally, the whole content is not covered in this assignment, but there are a few key areas relating to hardware and logical thinking that underpin most aspects of the course.

It is expected that you will complete ALL the questions/problems in this task and submit your work during your first computer science lesson in September.  This will form part of your initial assessment grade so it is very important that it is done to the best of your ability. 

You can email d.manu@springwoodhighschool.co.uk any questions relating to the task or the A-Level course.

Compulsory Computer Science Summer Sheet Download

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSION:

Caesar Cipher:

Implement a Caesar Cipher, both encoding and decoding. The key is an integer from 1 to 25. This cipher rotates the letters of the alphabet (A to Z). 

The encoding replaces each letter with the 1st to 25th next letter in the alphabet (wrapping Z to A). So key 2 encrypts “HI” to “JK”, but key 20 encrypts “HI” to “BC”.

For each challenge, show:

• Research into the number of permutations possible for a 4-digit number and what Caesar Cipher is.
• A flowchart
• Program code (any high-level language will do…. Python, Visual Basic, C#, Scratch)
• List of any variables, data structures used
• Proof it works!

Suggested Visit:

• Currys/PCWorld or similar establishment selling computers and computer
  components.
• A company which uses computers, e.g. Bespak, Adrian Flux, Kings Lynn County Council.

 

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READING:

• Check the specification of your current system: Click here
• Understanding the components of a computer system: Click here
• Terminology explained: Click here