Computer Science

In our fast-paced digital world, we must educate our young people in technical, entrepreneurial, and creative problem-solving skills to ensure they are job-ready for the future.

Computer Science and digital skills are essential in today’s workplace and in equipping students for real-world engagement. Computer Science fosters innovation through the use of coding and programming skills to deliver new products and solve problems. It encourages students to extend themselves through open-ended projects. Computer Science is considered by many of its practitioners to be a foundational science; one which makes other knowledge and achievements possible.

Across all departments in Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, pupils learn to use a range of technology tools and data sources to analyse, process, and present information. Through these channels, they also learn to model, measure, and control external events. A wide and varied range of technology resources are available at Cranleigh, including dedicated PC and Mac suites, one-to-one device policy, as well as classroom sets of iPads for the younger years. Through the use of the G Suite for Education, students develop their digital portfolios and can access their learning resources to collaborate and create innovative solutions to challenges set. 

From the very outset of their Computer Science studies in Year 4 pupils are introduced to core programming skills through project-based learning, in which they develop algorithms to create interactive software solutions. Previous projects have involved the development of games and interactive stories through Scratch, a block-based visual programming language, and the development of app prototypes using Marvel App and Apple’s iWork suite.

Pupils continue to develop their programming skills by bringing their code to life in the real world through robotics projects with Lego WeDo, Lego Mindstorms, Sphero BOLT, and Tello EDU drones. Once they have mastered the basics of computational thinking, pupils will move on to learning their first text-based programming language, Python, one of the most versatile languages used in the digital industry today.

We offer the IGCSE and A Level Computer Science courses for pupils who wish to pursue a career in the digital sector, which builds on the work done in previous years through the Prep and Senior schools.  A broad range of skills are introduced at this level including relational database design; computer networking; cybersecurity; building computer systems; game design and development; user interface and user experience design.

Everyone should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.

Steve Jobs

Computer Science in the Senior School

IGCSE Computer Science will enable learners to develop an interest in computing and to gain confidence in computational thinking and programming. They will develop their understanding of the main principles of problem-solving using computers. Learners will apply their understanding to develop computer-based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language, Python 3. They will also develop a range of technical skills, as well as the ability to test effectively and to evaluate computing solutions.

This qualification will help students appreciate current and emerging computing technologies and the benefits of their use. They will learn to recognise the ethical issues and potential risks when using computers. 

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Computer Science in Sixth Form

All topics are covered at AS and A Level, but the level of challenge and difficulty is significantly higher at A Level. Course topics include programming in two languages, data structures, algorithms, the theory of computation, data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, consequences of uses of computing, communication and networks, databases, big data, functional programming and systematic approaches to problem-solving. 

Discover more about the Sixth Form

While proficiency in the principles of 21st-century computing is essential, we recognise that it is equally vital that students learn how best to use technology across all curriculum areas. as it can provide flexible, engaging and interactive learning platforms.   Collaborative working opportunities are also a product of digital literacy in the learning environment and have shown to improve peer-to-peer social interaction, the efficiency of idea-share across year groups and engage students in meaningful discussion and debate in new ways. Furthermore, appropriately supervised access to the internet provides rich, multimedia resources and motivation to connect learning with real-life events around the world.