Computing

What is Computing?

Computing is the study of how a programmable electronic machine can carry out high speed processing and generate output.

Who does this subject?

 

  • Computing is a useful background for all students who go into software development and who anticipate a future in ICT related careers such as database management. It is also useful for mathematicians, engineers, physicists, architects and graphics designers.
  • Skills that are developed include problem solving and the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. You will develop your project and time management skills as well as the more specific programming skills and your appreciation of how computerised systems work.

 

Qualification: 
Computing AS
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 Periods a week.
Unit 1: 

Brief description of Unit 1: At the core of the course is computer programming. This means that working on algorithms and how data is stored are central to the theory work. They are also essential building blocks for the practical unit. This is complemented by a look at computer hardware, such as understanding what the processor does, networks, systems analysis and design. The characteristics of applications and the impact of current computing trends are studied.

Unit 2: 

Brief description of Unit 2: You will be given a scenario by the exam board and will then have to produce a computing solution to the problem it highlights. This will mean that you will analyse the problem, design a solution and then create the program, finally testing and evaluating it. The language we use is VB. Net, and, to help your programming skills to develop efficiently and with understanding, we use the console application of the software.

What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

 

  • We have a weekly programming club during which students can develop skills in other programming languages.
  • We annually participate in the British Informatics Olympiad where you can test your programming skills and win prizes.
  • Our state of the art computing suites provide great opportunities for your development.
  • We have tailor made resources for the delivery of the course, with excellent support from the staff and through the intranet.
  • Our staff has a range of expertise, rooted in industry as well as in education.
  • Very promising students can be fast tracked: indeed, some of our high achieving students have gone on to study Computer Science at the University of Cambridge.

 

Exam Board: 
WJEC
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements.