A-Level Computing

Overview

This specification gives a general grounding in computing, including an understanding of computer systems, the principles of programming, and the solving of problems.

This specification is excellent preparation for those students intending to pursue computing studies at degree level, or for anyone considering any kind of career in computing.

It also complements subjects that contain analytical, scientific and technological aspects.

Units

1. Computer Fundamentals (AS)
   Hardware, software, the presentation, structure and management of data, how data is transmitted and networked, the life cycle of systems development, the characteristics of information systems, and the implications of computer use.

2. Programming techniques and logical methods (AS)
   Designing solutions to particular problems, how procedural programs are structured, the types of data and data structures, the common facilities of procedural languages, how to write maintainable programs, and how to test and run solutions.

3. Advanced Computing Theory (A2)
   The function of operating systems, the function and purpose of translators, how computer architectures are structured, how data is represented, how data is structured and manipulated, high level language programming paradigms, low level languages and how databases function.

4. Computing Project (A2)
   Definition, investigation and analysis, system design, software development and testing, documentation, evaluation and how to produce written reports covering these topics.

For more information, visit the OCR website or download the summary:

• AS/A-Level GCE Computing
  

6th Form visits

Every year the 6th form students pay a visit to Neilson’s activity centre to look at their systems for booking holidays. Students obtain an insight into how calls can be monitored by advanced systems and a wide range of information can be displayed to managers. this relates very closely to their studies.

This is complemented by an annual trip to London to attend an ICT Conference that looks at the use of ICT in a wide variety of applications.

There is also an opportunity for some Lower 6th students to visit Thorpe Park to look at how control systems are used in the management of the rides.