Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

On-screen exam : 2 hours 30 minutes - 40% of A Level Written exam : 2 hours 30 minutes - 40% of A Level Non-exam assessment - 20% of A Level Students sit examinations in their A Level courses at the end of Year 13. All students will take internal end of year examinations at the end of year 12 to determine suitability to continue with the subject in Year 13. Students who do not meet the required pass grade in the Year 12 end of year examinations will not be permitted to progress into Year 13. Paper 1 The first unit tests the student's ability to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of Computer Science from fundamentals of programming, data structures, algorithms and the theory of computation. This On-screen examination will test student’s theoretical knowledge from topics 1-4, with a programming component. There are a number of short answer questions followed by coding problems based on pre-release material made available in September of Year 13. All questions are compulsory. It is externally marked. Paper 2 The second unit tests the student’s ability to answer questions on the fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture, communication and networking, databases, consequences of using computers, functional programming, “big data”, and a systematic approach to problem solving. This Written exam will test student’s theoretical knowledge from topics 5-13. It comprises short and extended-answer questions. All questions are compulsory. It is externally marked. Non-Exam Assessment A Level students are assessed on their ability to use the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course to solve a practical problem following a systematic approach to problem solving. For the non-exam assessment, candidates must produce a practical project. The report will be internally marked and externally moderated. It is worth 20% of the total A Level mark.