Course information
Computing (A Level)
Caroline Chisholm School - West Northamptonshire
01604344744
Wooldale Centre for Learning, Wootton Fields, Northampton, NN4 6TP
Course summary

Unit 1 Computing Principles This unit will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture. • Characteristics of contemporary processors • Software and software development • Programming • Exchanging data • Data types, structures and algorithms • Legal and ethical issues Unit 2 Algorithms. Programming and Problem Solving This unit covers the principles of computational thinking: • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms • This paper contains a scenario-based section with several questions exploring a single theme • Thinking ahead • Thinking procedurally • Thinking logically • Thinking concurrently • Problem solving and programming • Programming techniques • Computational methods Unit 3 Programming Project: You will design, develop and evaluate a project. The project must be a coded solution using one from the following preferred languages. Python (with a suitable graphical interface), C family of languages (for example C# C+ etc.), Java, Visual Basic, PHP or Delphi.

Entry requirements

GCSE English Minimum of grade 5 in one English subject and 4 in the other GCSE Maths Minimum of grade 5. GCSE Computing Minimum of grade 6 Students who have not studied Computer Science previously will need to complete a pre-course assessment booklet prior to commencing the course.

How you'll be assessed

Unit 1 Computing Principles - Exam lasts 2 hr 30 minutes and has a maximum of 140 marks Unit 2 Algorithms - Programming and Problem Solving - Exam 2 hr 30 minutes and has a maximum of 140 marks Unit 3 Programming Project - You will design, develop and evaluate a project and has a maximum of 70 marks.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityWest Northamptonshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed
AddressWooldale Centre for Learning, Wootton Fields, Northampton, NN4 6TP