Computing AS / A Level
A Level
In Scarborough
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Scarborough
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Duration
2 Years
Computing develops problem-solving ability using an algorithmic approach. It teaches programming in a fun and challenging way. It also develops an understanding of hardware and software. It provides a firm basis for a Computing degree and we recommend Computing rather than ICT to students with this aim
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Computing is distinct from ICT and it is not necessary to have any previous knowledge of Computing or ICT. We do require that you average at least C grades in your GCSEs. It is as relevant to a student studying Arts subjects as it is to one studying Science subjects
Reviews
Course programme
Computing develops problem-solving ability using an algorithmic approach. It teaches programming in a fun and challenging way. It also develops an understanding of hardware and software. It provides a firm basis for a Computing degree and we recommend Computing rather than ICT to students with this aim
What and how will I be studying?
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Computing is about solving problems and communicating with people,
many of whom do not understand computers. It is also necessary to
explain in an unambiguous and precise manner to a senseless device,
the computer.
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By investigating a variety of applications you become familiar with
software and hardware and appreciate the impact that computers have on
our lives.
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You learn a disciplined and structured approach to problem analysis
and the design of solutions.
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The selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and
debugging of programs is a central part of this subject. We use a
variety of programming languages, including Visual Basic.
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Students share their knowledge in discussions and tackle exercises
appropriate to their needs.
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Half the lessons are spent on a computer developing skills and putting
theory into practice. In the remaining lessons the theory is
introduced using computer simulations, through discussion and note
taking and backed up with exercises.
Unit 1
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Stages of problem solving, expressing the solution to a problem as an
algorithm, programming in a high level programming language.
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The binary number system, number bases and information coding schemes.
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The stages of development of a hardware/ software system.
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Logic gates and boolean algebra.
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The internal components of a computer and hardware devices.
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The fundamentals of computer systems.
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The structure of the internet, networking protocols and the
consequences of uses of computing.
Unit 3
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Problem solving, algorithmic complexity and data structures.
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Programming paradigms and object oriented programming techniques.
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The role of an operating system and database design.
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Communication, networking, security and integrity of data.
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Evaluate the need for development of a computer-based solution to a
real problem.
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Document a design that meets the requirements of a real problem in
terms of hardware and software.
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Document the analysis, design, construction, testing, and maintenance
of a programmed solution
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The subject calls for both logical discipline and imaginative
creativity.
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You develop your key skills of Communication, Information Technology
and Problem Solving
Each unit's % of the total A level marks is shown below as is the period when it is taken.
Unit 1
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30%
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May of Year 1
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2 hour on-screen exam with short answer questions.
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Pre-release material (skeleton program and test data) will be
published in advance.
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20%
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May of Year 1
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1 hour exam with short answer questions.
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30%
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June of Year 2
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2½ hour exam with both short and extended answer questions.
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20%
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Year 2
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A project over a period of 8 months
Computers are widely used in all aspects of government, business, industry, education, leisure and the home. In this increasingly technological age a study of computing, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of problems, is of great value.
Computing encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems and it extends the students' horizons beyond the school environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer applications on society and individuals.
It is not necessary to take A level Computing before going on to take a degree in the subject but it does provide a useful basis for further study and shows a commitment to the subject
Computing AS / A Level