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‘A’ Level Computing |
‘A’ LEVEL COMPUTING
Why choose Computing ?
Through
the development of Key Skills in both current technologies and perceived
advances in both hardware and software, this course is designed to enable
candidates to meet the demands of a highly skilled, IT
focused business and industrial sector.
In developing the specification, views and comments of teachers,
candidates, industrialists and other ‘interested’ bodies have been taken into
account.
What does the
course involve?
Topics
studied include:-
Computer
Systems and Programming, Files and Databases, Operating Systems, Machine Level
Structure, Programming Concepts and Systems Development.
Specification:-
This
A and AS specification encourages candidates to:
a)
develop an understanding of the main principles of
solving problems using computers;
b)
develop an understanding of the range of applications
of computers and the effects of their use;
c)
develop an understanding of the organisation of
computer systems including software, data, hardware, communications and people;
d)
acquire the skills necessary to apply this
understanding to developing computer-based solutions to problems.
In
addition, the A-Level encourages candidates to:
• develop an understanding of the main
principles of systems analysis and design,
methods of problem formulation and planning of solutions using
computers, and systematic methods of implementation, testing and documentation
• develop their capacity for critical
thinking, see relationships between different aspects of the subject and
perceive their field of study in a broader perspective
• develop their project management
skills and understanding of the need for team working
How is the
course assessed?
The
AS will comprise three teaching and learning modules and the A2 will comprise a
further three teaching and learning modules.
Each teaching and learning module will normally be assessed through an
associated assessment unit.
Assessment
units may be taken at stages throughout the course, at the end of each year or
at the end of the total course;
AS
may be completed at the end of one year and A2 by the end of the second year,
the AS and A2 components contain a practical unit.
Why is it
valuable?
This
specification also provides a firm basis for further studies in higher
education in Computing and related subject areas. It enables candidates to employ IT, to its
maximum potential, to assist the study of most other subjects.