Why is Computer Science Important?

Computer Science is the study of the principles and use of computers. Its study will make you question how the systems that you use in a modern day society work and encourage you to explore the concepts behind the technology you use and develop skills to become a creator of technology yourself. From Year 7 you will have the exciting opportunity to develop and consolidate basic ICT skills that will allow you to access more complex Computer Science concepts. From there you will study the four cornerstones of Computational Thinking, these are crucial as they can be applied to any computer science context and will provide firm foundations for other topics within the subject. From this, key programming constructs can be learnt, allowing you to develop programming skills in more than one environment, this will help you to understand key similarities between different programming environments and develop key skills in problem solving and debugging. These skills will be further consolidated and mastered in text based programming languages throughout your study, applying the cornerstones of Computational Thinking in a wealth of scenarios to develop your problem solving skills. Computer Science theory is also explored, looking ‘under the bonnet’ of the computer systems that you use on a day-to-day basis.

Key systems hardware are investigated, including how networks are formed, the inherent security risks that networked devices produce and how to mitigate against these risks. Computer Security is currently one of the biggest risks to national security, is relevant, interesting, and provides you with knowledge that can help you become a responsible e-citizen. Your study of Computer Science will encourage you to think deeply and help you more effectively to become a resilient problem solver that understands the technological world in which we live – a great life skill that all universities and employers will appreciate.

Across your study you will explore fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. You will analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Furthermore, the subject will teach you to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically and understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society. Lessons will provide a wide range of opportunities for practical application of key concepts through a chosen programming language as well as plentiful opportunity for you to investigate how computers works.

In addition, there will be opportunities for extended discussion about the ethical, moral and social implications of technology in society. Computer Science offers significant challenge, this is because it is a subject that encourages technological progress and breaking new ground, but this is what makes it exciting! Can you apply the concepts, knowledge and skills you have learnt in a creative way that others haven’t thought of before? Can you identify an area of computer science that provides further technological development? Seems challenging – but you are going to love it! Computer Science will expand your mind!