Curriculum Area: Maths and Computing
Computing AS/A Level
The new computing specification shows a significant revision of the previous specification to bring the content up to date and shift the emphasis towards Computer Science and Computation and away from ICT topics. The new specification has no overlap with the ICT (Applied) course. No prior knowledge of Computing and ICT is required. The course has an emphasis on abstract thinking, general problem-solving, programming skills, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning and scientific engineering based thinking. It has been designed to suit students wishing to continue on to either HE Computer Science or related degrees or to employment in areas where knowledge of computing would be beneficial.
Advanced Subsidiary [AS]
Students study two units with one 2 hour on-screen and one 2 ½ hour written exam. The unit titles are
| Unit 1 | Problem Solving, programming, data representation and practical exercise - an introduction to breaking problems down into the steps required for solution for a software programme |
| Unit 2 | The stored program concept and the Internet - introduction to hardware, software, internet and applications of computing |
Advanced Level (A2)
| Unit 3 | Problem solving, programming, operating systems, databases and networking. – more detailed study of topics introduced in the AS |
| Unit 4 | The practical project – an individual programming project of the candidates own choice |
Methods of Teaching and Learning
The course is taught by well qualified and experienced staff. Teaching methods include exposition, discussions and allow plenty of time to develop practical skills in both packages and programming. Current programming languages taught include Java, MySql and PHP. Students also use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access). Students are expected to do a substantial amount of both practical and theory work outside the classroom.
Methods of Assessment
Assessment units may be taken in January or June each year, or at the end of the course, subject to availability. The AS online exam is examined in May.
Resources
Appropriate textbooks are issued for the course and study guides are prepared for learning practical skills. The College has four ICT/Computing Suites each containing over 20 PCs networked to the main College system. The rooms are available for use by students most of the day. There are also other Computer suites in the Library and on the ground floor, where students can log in and still access their files on the student server. Remote access via the Internet is also available.
Progression
A level Computing is accepted as an appropriate qualification for entry to many degree courses and gives a very good start to students wishing to take Computer Science at degree level. It is also well thought of by employers for students wanting to go straight into employment.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including GCSE Mathematics and English at grade B or above. Successful completion of a summer task.
Charges
Students are charged for printing and there are also costs incurred privately in buying memory sticks to back up project work if desired. A trip to Bletchley Park is also run and the cost for that is £25.
Information for applicants starting in 2012
Why Computing?
- There is a need for programmers and computer scientists (Click here for BBC news article)
- You can learn to code in 2012. Have a go using code academy - an initiative to get people coding (uses javascript which is similar to Java used at St Brendan's) : www.codeacademy.com. Or, from a different angle try GeomLab.
St Brendan's AS Computing
In order to inform you, and us, about whether this is the right choice you need to complete and submit a summer task, taking about 15 to 20 hours of work in total, in addition to applying and fulfilling entrance requirements.
The task for August 2012 enrolment will be detailed here later (probably in April / May) and needs to submitted for a deadline in August 2012 (exact details and dates will be published here later).
For your information, last year's summer task documents are available for download below
Summer task 2011.doc (2.17 mb)
- Contains instructions and questions
Summer Task EAD 2011.doc (144 kb)
- is to fill in with answers. Please do NOT submit this as it is now out of date.
If you have any comments or questions please contact by email jaz@stbrn.ac.uk or telephone 0117 9777766, ext 2302