Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

The course consists of three components: The computer systems component contains the majority of the specification content and is assessed in a written paper, recalling knowledge and understanding. It includes the following topic areas: characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; programming; exchanging data; data types, data structures and algorithms; legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues. The algorithms and programming component relates specifically to problem-solving skills needed to apply the knowledge and understanding from the first component. The component covers a range of elements regarding computational thinking, such as elements of computational thinking, programming and problem-solving; pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition; algorithm design and efficiency and standard algorithms. The component also provides students with a short scenario in which problem-solving skills are required. The programming project is a practical portfolio based assessment, with a task produced using a suitable programming language. Students will need to analyse a given problem, design a solution, implement the solution and provide a thorough evaluation. Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the three components: • Computer systems written examination - 40 per cent of A Level (2 hours 30 mins) • Algorithms and programming written examination - 40 per cent of A Level ( 2 hours 30 mins) • Programming project - 20 per cent of A Level