Computer
| What is this course about? |
This course is intended to help students develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers. We aim for all students to leave the course with two things: an enthusiasm for approaching and solving logical problems; and an appreciation of the basic tools of computing which will serve them in further study and employment for a long time to come.
At AS level a wide range of topics are covered including social issues such as IT and the law. The bulk of the course, however, revolves around the basics of programming and the internal workings of the computer. Practical work follows a prescribed path.
At A2 level several specialist topics are developed, covering many of the current theoretical developments in computing. A student-selected project forms the bulk of the practical work
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What topics will I study?
AS Units
(first year work)
| Unit 1: Computing systems, programming and network concepts |
| The fundamentals of computing science and the building blocks for all future work. |
| Unit 2: Principles of hardware, software and applications |
| Principles of hardware |
software and applications |
| Unit 3: Practical unit |
| Students provide a computer solution to a set problem and then sit an exam in which they explain their work |
A2 Units(second year for those who decide to continue)
| Unit 4: Processing and programming techniques |
| This unit gives a taste of all the main areas of current interest in software development. |
| Unit 5: Advanced systems development |
| Concentrates of database and networking. |
| Frequently asked questions |
What are lessons like?
Not always on computers! Obviously there is a large practical component to this course and computer rooms are available both to facilitate teaching, and to give hands on experience. Lessons also take place, however, in regular classrooms as the bulk of the course needs to be learned through conventional means. Students who consistently tackle exercises and exam type questions about computers are more likely to succeed that those who merely spend a long time in the company of computers.
What do people do with Computing A level?
Computing fits with a wide range of other subject options. However, it should be stressed that both parts of the course place a very high reliance of the ability of students to approach problems in a logical and systematic fashion. Many aspects of the programming work are effectively applied mathematics. We therefore require a grade C in GCSE maths, with a preference for a grade B. That said, students take up computing for a number of reasons: to provide background to other areas of study; out of personal enthusiasm and interest; and because they wish that to be their main course of subsequent work.
Are there any special entry requirements?
Normal college entry requirements for advanced courses, we would prefer you to have a grade B in GCSE Mathematics. In addition we assume that students have had some experience of computers before they start the course. Students should also be able to write reasonably fluently. |
| AS/A Level Courses |
A Level is split into two parts
: AS and A2
 AS is the first year of the A level course and the standard expected is between GCSE (grades A* - C) and an A2 course.
A2 is taken in the second year and builds upon AS level work.
Together AS and A2 make up a full A level: AS + A2 = A level.
AS and A2 courses are usually made up of three units each. AS units are taken during the first year of the course and A2 units in the second year. Unit examinations can be taken in January and in June but subjects vary in when exams are taken. Often one unit takes the form of coursework. It is possible to re-sit AS and A2 units, the best marks count towards the final AS or A level grade.
AS and A level qualifications are graded A – E (pass) and U (fail).
AS and A2 also provide opportunities to develop key skills
You may choose to take an AS course and then continue to the full A level or to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification. Progression from AS to A2 is dependant upon a pass at AS and a recommendation from your subject tutor that you have developed the necessary skills for the A2 course. |
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