Computing AS / A Level

COMPUTING AS / A LEVEL
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?

• 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.
  
• By investigating a variety of applications you become familiar with software and hardware and appreciate the impact that computers have on our lives.
  
• You learn a disciplined and structured approach to problem analysis and the design of solutions.
  
• 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.
  
• Students share their knowledge in discussions and tackle exercises appropriate to their needs.
  
• 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.
  

AS - Year 1

Unit 1

• Stages of problem solving, expressing the solution to a problem as an algorithm, programming in a high level programming language.
  
• The binary number system, number bases and information coding schemes.
  
• The stages of development of a hardware/ software system.
  

Unit 2

• Logic gates and boolean algebra.
  
• The internal components of a computer and hardware devices.
  
• The fundamentals of computer systems.
  
• The structure of the internet, networking protocols and the consequences of uses of computing.
  

A2 - Year 2

Unit 3

• Problem solving, algorithmic complexity and data structures.
  
• Programming paradigms and object oriented programming techniques.
  
• The role of an operating system and database design.
  
• Communication, networking, security and integrity of data.
  

Unit 4

• Evaluate the need for development of a computer-based solution to a real problem.
  
• Document a design that meets the requirements of a real problem in terms of hardware and software.
  
• Document the analysis, design, construction, testing, and maintenance of a programmed solution
  

What skills will I need and be developing during this course?

• The subject calls for both logical discipline and imaginative creativity.
  
• You develop your key skills of Communication, Information Technology and Problem Solving
  

How is the Course assessed?
Each unit's % of the total A level marks is shown below as is the period when it is taken.

Unit 1

• 30%
  
• May of Year 1
  
• 2 hour on-screen exam with short answer questions.
  
• Pre-release material (skeleton program and test data) will be published in advance.
  

Unit 2

• 20%
  
• May of Year 1
  
• 1 hour exam with short answer questions.
  

Unit 3

• 30%
  
• June of Year 2
  
• 2½ hour exam with both short and extended answer questions.
  

Unit 4

• 20%
  
• Year 2
  
• A project over a period of 8 months
  

What career opportunities are there?
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