Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

01 Computer Systems This component is 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: - the characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices - software and software development - exchanging data - data types, data structures and algorithms - legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. 02 Algorithms and Programming This component is also 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 will 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 (NEA) Students select their own problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the course's assessment objectives. Students will need to analyse their problem, design a solution, implement a solution and give a thorough evaluation. Past students' projects have included online computer games, educational software and an investigation into the generation of glitch art.