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KS5 Computer Science
Computer Science is one of the most fascinating and most relevant subjects in the world today.
On this course you will learn how to adapt to new technology and understand how software can be developed. You will also be given an opportunity to develop your own application.
Students with experience in computer science are in high demand by employers and you do not need to have taken the GCSE to enrol on this A Level course.
Year 12
Component | ||
---|---|---|
01 Computing principles |
Mix of question types: including short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. |
Characteristics of contemporary systems architecture: Operating systems Software and software development: Introduction to programming Exchanging data: Databases, networks and web technologies Data types, representation and structures: Using Boolean algebra Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues Computing-related laws |
02 Algorithms and problem solving |
Traditional questions concerning computational thinking. Mix of question types: including short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark- scheme-type questions. There will be a short scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm but will involve problem solving. |
Elements of computational thinking: Understanding computational thinking Problem solving and programming: Programming techniques Software development methodologies Algorithms: Analysis and design |
Component | Assessment | Weighting | Marks and duration |
---|---|---|---|
01 Computing principles |
Externally marked question paper | 50% | 70 marks / 1 hr 15 mins |
02 Algorithms and problem solving |
Externally marked question paper | 50% | 70 marks / 1 hr 15 mins |
Year 13
Component | ||
---|---|---|
01 Computer systems |
Mix of question types: including short-answer, longer-answer, and banded mark-scheme-type questions. |
The characteristics of contemporary processors,
Software and software development:
Exchanging data:
Data types, data structures and algorithms
Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues |
02 Algorithms and Programming |
Two sections: Mix of question types: including short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. B –Scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm but will involve problem solving. Short-answer, longer-answer questions, and levels of response mark-scheme-type questions. |
Sections A and B
Problem solving and programming
Algorithms |
03 Programming project |
Candidates and/or centres select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Assessment Objectives. |
Analysis of the problem |
Component | Assessment | Weighting | Marks and duration |
---|---|---|---|
01 Computing principles |
Externally marked question paper | 40% | 140 marks / 2 hr 30 mins |
02 Algorithms and problem solving |
Externally marked question paper | 40% | 140 marks / 2 hr 30 mins |
03 Programming project | Internally assessed, externally moderated | 20% | 70 marks |