Every student who studies Computing at Ashbourne leaves with a broad technical knowledge and the ability to write their own programs and software in the Java Programming Language – one of the most popular languages used in industry today. Ashbourne has a fully up-to-date, modern IT room including the latest iMac computers, connected wirelessly to networked printers and with Smartboard technology so that the teachers can demonstrate programming and software-use directly on screen to every student.
Why study Computing?
Computer programming is a necessary skill in a number of different disciplines – undergraduate students reading Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science must all learn how to program and a head-start can be vital. This is where Ashbourne holds a huge advantage - students learning Computing here are taught in very small groups and get the individual attention they need to work through and master problems quickly without restrictions.
Which syllabus do we follow?
Ashbourne follows the AQA specification for Computing
How many units are there?
There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Problem Solving, programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise’. Unit 1 is concerned with problem solving. Problem solving skills are taught and tested by showing students how to write computer programs to represent problems and then write algorithms or recipes to solve these problems. There are a wide range of programming languages available and Ashbourne believes in teaching each student the Java programming language: written by Sun. The Java language is popular and widely used across all industries including financial, legal and medical.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Computer Components, the stored Program Concept and the Internet Unit 2 complements unit 1 and is concerned with the Hardware and Software of Computing. It introduces the students to the internal workings of every computer, and the science behind technologies such as plasma screens. The varied syllabus covers essential engineering basics such as logic gates and Boolean algebra through to an introduction for students on how to build their own websites.
Unit 3
AS unit 3 is called ‘Problems Solving, Programming, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking’ After the first year, students have a good introduction to what is computing and what resources are available to them. Unit 3 looks more closely at computational thinking- what problems can be computed, what solutions can computers provide which humans on their own cannot. Students will now have an idea of programming and know the syntax of how to write programs, and unit 3 covers methods for solving common problems, and how to structure computer programs to make them more efficient no matter their size. Students learn in–depth knowledge of networking and security of computer systems, hot topics in IT currently.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is called ‘ The Computing Practical Project’ Unit 4 is an independent problem solving exercise where the students write a report based on software, which they write for a real customer. This is the unit that students usually enjoy the most, as it allows them to practice everything they have learnt in the course, and produce a piece of software which actually solves a real-world problem. Students must liaise with a client, delve into the data and organization problems their company has and design and implement a suitable solution. All of the stages of the project are written up into a final report for submission.
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
The practical on-screen examination is 2 hours long and tests the students ability to read and write programs in their chosen language. The questions are based on a scenario described in pre-release material approximately 4 weeks before the exam. This year’s assignment was based on the Hangman word game.
Unit 2
The written exam is 1 hour in duration and tests the knowledge and understanding of the architecture of computers and the functionality of the different types of software.
Unit 3
The written exam is 2 and a half hours long and is the sole exam for computing A2. It covers all of the theory on the hardware and programming techniques covered. The students will be fully prepared for the exam and will have sat at least 5 mock papers under exam conditions.
Unit 4
The head of the Computing Department assesses all of the project reports, so during the year corrections and improvements come direct from the examiner. The department has a large cache of previous project reports which students can look at to help them structure their work and to get an idea about the level of work they need to produce to achieve the highest grades.
How is the course structured?
AS unit 1 is covered from September to March in the first year of study. Each week there is a 2-hour designated practical lesson where the students work on problems solving techniques and learning the Java language. Each student has their own 24-inch iMac to work on and is given intensive tuition in small classes so that help is available immediately as they require it. Students are given a weekly programming assignment which they can complete at home or during their free periods in the computer room.
Unit 2 is taught concurrently with unit 1 so that the student receives a solid grounding in all aspects of computing. In class all of the syllabus will be covered alongside techniques for breaking down complex problems and solving extended analytical questions. Mock exams are given every half term to train the students in answering real exam questions and time management.
A2 unit 3 is covered from September to March of the A2 year and is made up of theory lessons and answering exam style questions. Practical lessons in Databases are covered early so that students can use this knowledge in their unit 4 project as soon as possible. The weekly homework will be past paper exam questions and structured learning goals for different software.
A2 unit 4 is covered from September to March, and is allocated a weekly 2-hour practical lesson. Internal deadlines for each section of the report are taken very seriously and give the students essential feedback and help to manage what is a sizeable task. Homework is structured alongside the report deadlines and encourages the student to practice written and presentation skills.
When do the exams take place?
AS unit 1 is taken in the May/June exam period, and there is an opportunity for students to retake the exam in their second year when they are even more experienced in the Java programming language. Unit 2 can be taken in January as well as in may/June which provides a good opportunity for students who have previous knowledge of the material and can provide further experience of exam conditions. Students sit A2 unit 3 in June. Coursework is submitted in Spring of the A2 year.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
David Johnstone
(BSc Artificial Intelligence (Durham) Computing, IT and Mathematics)
David did his first degree in Artificial Intelligence at Durham University. He worked in the city, developing huge corporate IT systems, then went on to do doctoral research in real-time systems scheduling, the technology behind automotive manufacturing. He is a specialist in Java programming, holding a Sun certificate and Java black-belt membership.
Beyond A level for Computing
After studying Computing many of our students have chosen to read degrees in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Games Programming.
Students have also taken the opportunity to learn how to write their own websites and have even succeeded in writing complex iPhone and iPad applications with support from the college.
Any other information
The Unit 4 project is a vital part of the course. Students need to be prepared to work on their own initiative and meet deadlines.
Textbooks
AS
Title – AQA Computing AS: Student’s Book
Author – Sylvia Langfield, Kevin Bond
Web link – http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Computing-AS-Students-Level/dp/0748782966
A2
Title – AQA Computing A2: Student’s Book
Author – Sylvia Langfield, Kevin Bond
Web link – http://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Computing-A2-Student-Book/dp/0748782982
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