Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

AS Computer Science – 2 units, both examined - (1yr) 01 Computing principles (50%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: • Operating systems • Introduction to programming • Data types, structures, and algorithms • Exchanging data and web technologies • Using Boolean algebra • Legal and ethical issues. 02 Algorithms and Problem-solving (50%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper and will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. There’ll be a short scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem-solving. Other areas covered include the following: • Elements of computational thinking • Programming techniques • Software development methodologies • Algorithms • Standard algorithms A level Computer Science – 3 units, 01 and 02 are examined, 03 is coursework based - (2yr) 01 Computer systems (40%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark scheme-type questions. It will cover the characteristics of contemporary systems architecture and other areas including the following: • Software and its development • Types of programming languages • Data types, representation, and structures • Exchanging data and web technologies • Following algorithms • Using Boolean algebra • Legal, moral, and ethical issues. 02 Algorithms and Programming (40%) This component will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with two sections, both of which will include a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme type questions. Section A Traditional questions concerning computational thinking. • Elements of computational thinking • Programming and problem solving • Pattern recognition, abstraction, and decomposition • Algorithm design and efficiency • Standard algorithms. Section B There’ll be a scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem-solving. 03 Programming project (20%) External postal moderation or repository. Students and/or centers select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Assessment Objectives. Students will need to analyze the problem, design a solution, implement the solution, and give a thorough evaluation.