Computing

Exam Board:AQA

What is the course about?
A level Computing involves learning about how computers operate and are programmed. You will learn about the various components of computers and what actually goes on inside a computer. You will study how computers communicate within themselves and with other computers as well as with peripheral devices such as printers. You will learn about how computers are programmed in a step-by-step "algorithmic" way and do some programming yourself in programming languages such as Pascal and VBA.
For the AS level you will study:
Unit 1 is about the fundamental principles of computing. Unit 2 focuses on hardware and software and the social and economic consequences of our use of computers.
For the A2 level you will study:
Unit 3 focuses on computational thinking, the type of step-by-step logic that computers require in order for software to be written. This involves developing a good understanding of the way in which instructions to computers have to be structured for them to be able to process them. There are also logical issues to be mastered in managing information-flow between computers and in connection with the linking of computers in networks. Against the background of these issues you will learn how to write the programs themselves. Unit 4 takes the form of a project in which you use programming to design and produce a computer based solution to a real problem of your choice and write it up.
How is the course assessed?
Unit 1 - 2 hour on-screen examination which involves programming a solution to a problem based on material released in advance of the examination (60% of AS, 30% of A Level)
Unit 2 - 1 hour written examination (40% of AS, 20% of A Level)
Unit 3 - 2½ hour written examination (30% of A Level)
Unit 4 - Computing Practical Project (20% of A Level)
What skills will I need and develop in this course?
There is an emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem solving, algorithmic / mathematical reasoning and scientific / engineering based thinking. This is a stimulating course in which you will be thinking innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will learn how to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of computing, including programming, in a range of contexts to solve problems.
Subject combination advice:
A level Computing complements a full range of subjects, in particular Maths and Physics.
What can the course lead to in terms of higher education and future careers?
The course develops skills and expertise which are relevant to a range of fields as diverse as medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science, as well as computer science itself.
What are the formal entry requirements for this course?
Aside from the general entry criteria that the College requires, you will also need to achieve at least a grade C or higher in GCSE Maths.
What extra support / enrichment activities are on offer?
We have strong links with Surrey University Computing Department, who arrange an annual IT workshop, for example on HTML and JavaScript, as well as regular lectures on aspects of computing. We are also associated with the British Computer Society.
What is the difference between A level Computing and A level ICT?
A level ICT looks at realistic business tasks and problems, using software such as Word, Excel and Access that are in common use both at home and in the workplace. A level Computing looks at how computers actually function and the nitty-gritty of how humans give instructions to them and the logical processes that are at work in the commercial software.