AS Level Computing

This course has been designed for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial. One can study Computing and go on to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science. The emphasis in the direction of Computer Science and Computation. There is a clear distinction between this specification and the A Level ICT.

The course is not about learning to use tools or just training in a programming language. Instead the emphasis is on computational thinking. Computational thinking is a kind of reasoning used by both humans and machines. Thinking computationally is an important life skill. Thinking computationally means using abstraction and decomposition. The study of computation is about what can be computed and how to compute it. Computer Science involves questions that have the potential to change how we view the world. For example, we may be computing with DNA at some stage in the future, with computer circuits made of genes. This leads to the question, does the natural world ‘compute’?

Experimental Computer Science can be done with computers whereby we can learn more about the natural world by observing the emergent behaviour of a colony of interacting software agents in a simulation. Computing / Computer Science is about designing new algorithms to solve new problems. In this sense Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes. Many great challenges lie in the future for Computer Scientists to solve.

This course, with its emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking, is a good foundation for understanding these future challenges.

AS Level

The two units allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of Computing.

Unit 1 is a practical, on-screen, examination which allows candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of the subject, focusing on programming through a problem-solving scenario using pre-release material.

Unit 2 focuses on the hardware and software aspects of Computing and the social and economic consequences of Computing.

A2 Level

The A2 specification builds on the content of AS, with Unit 3 focusing on computational thinking, what can be computed, programming and problem-solving including communication and networking.

The second unit, Unit 4, is an internally assessed unit, with candidates required to complete a report on a computer-based programmed solution to a problem-solving exercise of their choice. Where possible the theoretical aspects of the course are developed using practical examples. This is especially true in the second year.

The main programming language for AS/A2 Computing is Visual Basic.net 2012.

How you will gain the qualification

Units 1, 2 and 3 will all be externally assessed by means of 2 written papers and 1 on-screen examination.

AS Level

Unit 1: Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise (On-screen exam: 2 hours 60% of total AS marks, 30% of total A Level marks)

Unit 2: The Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet (Written paper: 1 hour 40% of total AS marks, 20% of total A Level marks)

A2 Level

Unit 3: Problem Solving, Programming, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking (Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes 60% of total A2 marks, 30% of total A Level marks)

Unit 4: The Practical Project (Coursework: 40% of total AS marks, 20% of total A Level marks)

What qualifications you need

Six GCSE passes are required at grade C or above including both Mathematics (Higher Tier) and English or English Language. GCSE English Literature is NOT a substitute.

Some experience of using computers would be advantageous, but prior programming knowledge is not necessary, however if Computing was taken at GCSE a C or above is required.

All students who would like to enrol on this course are required to attend a taster session. These normally run at the end of June. Please contact Karina Pittoors (kwp@yale-wrexham.ac.uk) to book a place.

Where to next

A Level Computing is relevant to a wide range of Higher Education courses as well as providing the necessary preparation for university courses in Computing, Software Engineering, Information Systems, etc. Although many institutions do not require an A Level in Computing to gain entry onto a computing degree course, nevertheless, it will certainly make life a lot easier.