BRIEF OUTLINE

The Computing course covers software development and games programming, gaining an understanding of how computers work and how computers support emerging technologies.

COURSE CONTENT

The course consists of three units:

      - Computer Systems and Programming

The fundamentals of computer systems; computing hardware; software; representation of data in computer systems (including text, images, sound and instruction); databases; computer communications (internet) and networking; programming.

      - A Practical Investigation

You will select a topic from a range provided by OCR and you will carry out a practical investigation with research.

      - A Programming Project

You will create a programming solution to a set problem. You will record the development process and carry out tests to evaluate the effectiveness of your programme.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The three units are assessed as follows:

      - Computer Systems and Programming – written paper (40% of total marks)

      - Practical Investigation – investigation task with written report (30% of total marks)

      - Programming Project – programming task enabling students to design, develop and test a programming solution to a problem (30% of total marks)

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

Students need to have a KS4 minimum expectation of B+

WHY STUDY COMPUTING?

This qualification provides a foundation for any scientific and problem-solving based course at level 3 and along with other appropriate GCSEs will allow progression to Computing, Maths, Electronics and other Science based A levels leading to a wide range of HE courses including Computing and Software Development.

CURRICULUM LEADER:

In partnership with Franklin College – Darren Smith