A level Computing
A Level
In Surrey
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Surrey
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Duration
2 Years
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Students should have at least a grade B in either Maths or Science. English at Grade C is highly desirable. You do not need to have taken GCSE IT.
Reviews
Course programme
Computing is an established academic discipline that deals primarily with programming and how computers work. Areas covered will be valuable to students interested in engineering, electronics and maths as well as those with a straightforward interest in computers. This course should not be confused with Information Technology which tends to deal with what computers are used for. Computing is highly regarded by top university departments.
Reigate computing students visiting the Colossus computer at the wartime code breaking centre at Bletchley Park
What will I study on this course?
About half of the course is practical computer programming work. We start with the Pascal language and move on to Delphi later in the course. Besides programming we look at methods of problem solving and the theory of how computers and telecommunications systems work. You will gain valuable programming and analytical problem solving skills by taking Computing.
How is this course assessed?
In the AS exam there is a practical exam (60%) and a theory exam (40%). In the A2 there is a theory exam (30% of whole A level) and coursework (20% of whole A level). The A2 coursework topic is selected by the student with guidance from the teacher.
What kind of student will do well on this course?
This course will suit students who are:
- good at problem solving and using logic
- original, creative, organised, and analytical thinkers
- interested in computers, design, engineering, technology and electronics.
Past students have gone on to take related degree courses at universities including Cambridge, Imperial, Bristol, Warwick and York.
Exam Board
We follow the AQA specification 2510.
A level Computing