A2 Computing

Computing
How does the Web work? Who invented the first real computer? How do you write a new computer game? These questions - and many others - will be answered in this course.

Computing is an exciting and challenging subject in which you will develop valuable skills in problem-solving using an algorithmic approach.
The content of the course changes constantly to reflect the rapid pace of development in the field.
The course is a great option for anyone who wishes to either progress to further studies in the area, or simply to develop strong analytical and creative skills which can lead to a wide range of career options.

Is it like ICT?

In a word, no. A level Computing is a very different subject. It is not about acquiring ICT skills. It is about the technical side of computers; the way computers work, how they are used and how they may develop in the future; programming and computational thinking is what the course is about . Many computing concepts are strongly mathematical, making computing a highly suitable course for those studying mathematics.

Does this sound exciting? Then this is the course for you!

What Will I Learn on this Course?

• Hardware - what are all those bits covered in fluff and hidden in the back of your PC actually for?
• Software - making a computer do anything useful isn't easy, but it's a vital part of the modern world.
• Programming - solving problems and making them simple enough for a computer to understand.
• The Internet & Networks - everyone uses the Internet, but no one knows how it works. Find out here!

The basis of this course is computational thinking. Computing is an academic subject that requires you to be systematic and logical. Problem solving techniques will be taught and used throughout the course.

Teaching and learning is achieved through a combination of theory and practical work. You will spend approximately 60% of your time engaged in practical work. You will utilise different programming languages to advanced levels, including Pascal, Visual Basic, ASP/HTML, ActionScript and SQL. In addition many different packages will be learnt, such as MS Access. All this knowledge will then be applied to solving real problems.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

AS - AQA Syllabus

Unit 1: Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise:
Stages of problem solving; State transition diagrams and tables; Introduction to algorithms; Programming in a high level programming language; Fundamentals of structured programming; Number systems and information coding schemes; Stages of development of a system. (ASSESSMENT: Onscreen examination 60%)

Unit 2: The Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet:
Logic gates and boolean algebra; The internal components of a computer; Hardware - internal and devices; The structure of the Internet, networking protocols and the consequences of uses of computing. (ASSESSMENT: Written paper 40%)

A2 - AQA Syllabus

Unit 3: Problem Solving, Programming, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking Problem solving and algorithmic complexity:
Algorithms and data structures for problem solving; Programming paradigms and object oriented programming techniques; The role of an operating system; Database design (ASSESSMENT: written paper 60%)

Unit 4: The Practical Project:
You will solve a real problem using a high level programming language. This includes documenting the analysis, design, construction, testing, training and maintenance of your programmed solution. (ASSESSMENT: Project Report 40%)

After the Course

Many of our students go on to Higher Education courses in computing, but others have gone on to study Science, Mathematics or a Mathematics related subject, Engineering or any other subject which requires analysis.

This course is also relevant if students wish to begin a computer related career directly after leaving Barton Peveril College.

Subject Combination

Computing is a technical subject and should ideally be taken alongside other technical A levels, such as Physics, Electronics, Design Technology and Mathematics
It is strongly recommended that students study AS Mathematics alongside AS Computing. Prospective students should realise that many higher education establishments insist on A Level Mathematics as an entry requirement for a degree in Computing

Entry Requirements

Computing students are required to have at least GCSE grade B in Mathematics. In addition students are expected to have a minimum of five GCSE grades A* to C and have shown an interest in computing.