Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

Paper 1: Computer Systems (Written paper 2 ½ hours – 40% of A Level) This component contains the majority of the content of the qualification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding. Topics of Study include Components of a computer and their uses; Software and software development; How data is exchanged between different systems; How data is represented and stored within different structures; Different algorithms that can be applied to these structures; The individual (moral), social (ethical) and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology; Legislation surrounding the use of computers and ethical issues that can or may in the future arise from the use of computers. Paper 2: Algorithms and Programming (Written paper 2 ½ hours – 40% of A Level) This component relates principally to problem-solving skills needed by learners to apply the knowledge and understanding gained in the first component. Topics of Study include: Understanding what is meant by computational thinking; How computers can be used to solve problems and programs can be written to solve them; The use of algorithms to describe problems and standard algorithms. Component 3: Programming Project (Non-exam teacher assessment – 20% of A Level) The project is a substantial piece of work which assesses a variety of different skills including the development and demonstration of computational thought processes. Learners will need to choose, in liaison with their teacher, a well-defined user-driven problem. The choice of project must enable learners to: meet all assessment requirements as contained in the specification; use an appropriate programming language which is non-trivial and has a substantial coded element; solve a problem sensibly within the constraints of resources available to facilitate the successful completion of a whole task from its definition to its acceptance and evaluation by that user. The project will be submitted in the form of a report that will contain the solution to the chosen task. Please note: Mathematical skills are embedded throughout the content of the three components. They will be assessed in the written papers and through the non-examined assessment where appropriate.