Module F451 - Computer Fundamentals (External)

Candidates gain an appreciation of computing fundamentals, including
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.

Assessment method and weighting

1.5 hour exam (100 marks)
AS Level – 50%
A Level – 25%

Module F452- Programming Techniques and Logical Methods

Candidates gain an appreciation of 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.

Assessment method and weighting

1.5 hour exam (100marks)
AS Level – 50%
A Level – 25%

Module F453 - Advanced Computing Theory

Candidates understand 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.

Assessment method and weighting

2 hour exam (120 marks)
A Level – 30%

COMP 1 - Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise

• Fundamentals of Problem Solving
• Fundamentals of Programming
• Fundamentals of Data Representation
• Systems Development Life Cycle

60% of AS, 30% of A Level
2 hour on-screen examination
100 marks

COMP 2 - Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet

• Fundamentals of Computer Systems
• Fundamental Hardware Elements of Computers
• Machine Level Architecture
• Hardware Devices
• The Structure of the Internet
• Web page design
• Consequences of the Uses of Computing

40% of AS, 20% of A Level
1 hour written examination
60 marks
Compulsory short answer questions.
Available January and June

COMP 3 -Problem Solving, Programming, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking

• Problem Solving
• Programming Concepts
• Real Numbers
• Operating Systems
• Databases
• Communication and Networking

30% of A Level
2 hour 30 minutes written examination
100 marks
Compulsory short and extended answer questions.
Available in June only

Having experience with exam board moderating, we can help ensure you have not misinterpreted the mark scheme; we can focus on key sections of your project that could gain you the most marks. We are fully aware of rules on help with candidates coursework; we will provide you with the same level of guidance you would expect from your teacher but tailored to your individual needs. We would use different scenarios to to explain aspects of the mark scheme. We don't consider this help but guidance in the same way your teacher should provide you with. We will not do the work for you!

What is the difference between A level ICT and A Level Computing?

The practical element of the ICT course involves the use of application software such as spreadsheets and databases whereas Computing involves the use of programming languages such as Visual Basic and Prolog. ICT theory covers the applications of ICT and its effect on society. Computing theory covers the way computers and programs work. You need at least a grade C in mathematics to study Computing and need to be more logically and mathematically inclined in order to understand programming. ICT provides more of a users perspective to technology, whilst Computing is approached from a developers perspective.

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AQA COMP 4: Coursework: Practical Issues
Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World

20% of A Level
Coursework, internally assessed, and moderated by AQA.
75 marks
Report written by the candidate documenting a programmed solution to a real problem associated with a user whose realistic needs should be taken into account when specifying, designing and implementing the solution.
Available in June only

OCR F454: Coursework: - Computing Project

Through coursework candidates gain an understanding of definition, investigation and analysis, system design, software development and testing, documentation, evaluation and how to produce written reports covering these topics.

A Level – 20% (80 marks)

OCR A Level Computing

AQA A Level Computing

Are you looking for guidance on your coursework? Are you not too sure where to start? We can help you choose a realistic problem and give you guidance and reassurance with your project.