Computing

Courses Offered

A-Level Computer Science (AQA)

Course Summary

Computers have transformed our lives over the last 30 years. It started with the introduction of PCs into most homes and more recently the internet and social media have revolutionised communication and the way information has spread across the world. This subject covers both theoretical concepts of Computers Science such as how information is stored and processed as well as practical aspects for the design and creation of computer software.
 
What you will study:
Paper 1: Programming, data structure, algorithms theory of computation.
Paper 2: Data representation, computer systems, communication and networking, computer organisation and architecture, consequences of uses of commuters, big data. Coursework: Students solve or investigate a practical problem. Students will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving.
 
Skills you will gain:
Creative, innovative, analytical, logical and critical thinking, problem solving, project and time management.
 
Career Paths:
Software engineer, IT consultant, Project manager, Systems analyst, Systems developer, Cyber Security, Web developer, Network engineer.
 
Please note: Complementary subjects include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Psychology You will need access to Python IDLE. Students are encouraged to program for fun using online Python tutorials:
 

Assessment Method

Paper 1: External Assessment. On-screen exam: 2 hours 30 minutes. 40% of A-level.
Paper 2: External Assessment. Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes. 40% of A-level. Coursework - 20% of A-level.
 

Entry Requirements

GCSE Maths Grade 7 and English Grade 6 GCSE Computer Science Grade 6 (if taken)
 
General Requirements
  • 5 GCSE/i GCSE/WJEC (Welsh GCSE) qualifications with minimum grade 6.0
Specific Requirements
  • Computer Science
  • Maths 7+
 
BTEC Information Technology Extended Certificate (Edexcel)

Course Summary

This qualification is equivalent to 1 A Level. Computers have transformed our lives over the last 30 years. It started with the introduction of PCs into most homes and more recently the internet and social media have revolutionised communication and the way information is spread across the world. This subject covers both theoretical concepts of Computers Science such as how information is stored and processed as well as practical aspects for the design and creation of spreadsheets, databases and computer software.
 
What you will study:
Certificate Unit 1: Information Technology Systems
Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information
Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business
Unit 5: Data Modelling
 
Skills you will gain:
Problem solving, project and time management, digital literacy, data management, data manipulation, decision making.
 
Career Paths: Software Engineer, IT consultant, Project manager, Systems analyst, Systems developer, Database administrator, Web developer, Network engineer.
 
Please note: BTEC IT supports other subjects such as Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics. For a vocational pathway, this subject is supported by BTEC Business Studies Diploma.

Assessment Method

Unit 1: Written examination set and marked by Pearson. 90 marks. Two hours. Unit 2: A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions over nine hours. Completed using a computer and submitted electronically. 80 marks. Unit 3 and 5 - internally assessed based on coursework assignments, subject to external standards verification.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English Grade 4 and GCSE Maths Grade 4 L2 Pass Digital Information Technology (if taken)
General Requirements
  • 5 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL/GCSE/i GCSE/BTEC/National Vocational Qualification/WJEC (Welsh GCSE)/Cambridge National qualifications with minimum grade 4.0
Specific Requirements
  • BTECs GCSE English Grade 4/ GCSE Maths Grade 4
  • BTEC IT
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