Computer Science

Key syllabus elements

The Computer Science syllabus covers:

• Programming – Data types, arithmetic operations, relational operations, boolean operations, constants and variables, string-handling operations, random-number generation, exception handling, subroutines, global variables, structured programming
• Data structures – arrays, fields, files and records
• Problem solving – Analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation
• Theory of computation – Abstraction and automation, finite state machines
• Fundamentals of algorithms – Problem-solving, writing algorithms, abstraction, decomposition, automation, finite state machines
• Data representation – Number systems, number bases, binary number system, information coding systems, representing images, sound and other data, data compression and encryption
• Computer systems – Hardware and software, operating systems, programming languages, program translators, logic gates, boolean algebra
• Organisation and architecture – Internal hardware components, the stored programme concept, structure and role of the processor, external hardware devices
• Consequences of computing – Individual, social, legal and cultural issues and opportunities
• Communication and networking – Communication methods and basics, network topologies and wireless networking
• Computing practical project using a systematic approach to problem solving

Key assessment elements

AS

1h30m On-screen exam testing programming and theoretical ability
50% of the overall AS grade

1h30m written exam covering knowledge of the overall course content.
50% of the overall AS grade

A Level

2h30m On-screen exam testing programming and theoretical ability
40% of the overall A Level grade

2h30m written exam covering knowledge of the overall course content.
40% of the overall A Level grade

Computing practical project
20% of the overall A Level grade