Computer Studies / Computing

Assessment

Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking A slightly more theoretical side to the course; investigating the wide selection of Hardware and Software available, understanding the difference between Application and System software and the Systems/Software Design Lifecycle, and the need to follow it carefully when designing solutions to clients’ problems. An understanding of how Mathematical Logic /Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates can be used to create all the different components within a computer is also covered. You will learn SQL to aid the creation and maintenance of normalized (to 3rd Normal Form) Relational Databases. Problem Solving, Data Representation and Practical Exercises This is the more practical side of the course covering the way computers can be used to solve many different types of problems. You will be taught Python 3 as a fourth-generation programming language and expected to use this to code the pseudo-code representation of the structured English algorithms that are required to solve a variety of different problems. An in-depth understanding of Binary and Hexadecimal as a means to store all different types of numeric values (integers, negative numbers, real numbers both very large and very very small), Sound, Images (black and white and different complexities of color), and Text. Non-Examined Assessment: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the digital world. Solving a problem for a stakeholder using your new-found skills to help support them in their work. This is the second practical side of the A-Level and is assessed through the submission of documentation concerning the process through the Software Life Cycle of a solution that has been created for an identified, preferably real, client. The choice of programming language is up to students, though must be supported in school.