AS/A2 Computing

Why should I study Computing / Information & Communication Technology at Cardinal Newman College?We have four dedicated suites of computers, with software being constantly updated to the highest standards and the College has several supported open learning areas to assist with private study. We have well qualified staff and the grades our students achieve are well above the national average (over 70% A/B in ICT for example).

There are fabulous enrichment opportunities, for example visits to New York and Florida have occurred in recent years
What is the difference between Computing and ICT?
There are many similarities between the two, although there is a different emphasis.

Computing focuses on:

· The technical side of how computers work

· Monopoly

· Computer architecture

· Programming

· Network systems

Information & Communication Technology focuses on:

· Data, information and knowledge

· The use and impact of ICT in different contexts

· Hardware, software and networking

· Working with ICT

· Security issues
Which will I enjoy the most?
For either course having a logical approach will be very helpful. In Computing you will study software development in great depth. To help you understand the complex area of Computing you will study a wide range of topics, for example, binary arithmetic, internal hardware, operating systems, local and wide area networks as well as many more technical topics. As part of the course you will produce a fully coded programming solution for your coursework. For this aspect of the computing syllabus a sound understanding of mathematics is essential.

The ICT syllabus looks at the impact of ICT in a range of contexts such as education, business, health and the home. Hardware, software and networking will be studied along with security and the Human Computer Interface. A range of software skills will be developed and demonstrated through practical tasks in both years.