Welcome to Computing

How is Computing assessed? AS Unit 1 Practical Theory of computation. Fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms. 90 min on-screen exam. 50% of AS. Unit 2 Theory Fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, organization and architecture, communication and networking. Software development and consequences of uses of computing. 90 min written exam. 50% of AS. A Level Unit 1 Practical Theory of computation. Fundamentals of programming, data structures and algorithms. 150 min on-screen exam. 40% of A level. Unit 2 Theory Fundamentals of data representation, functional programming, computer systems, organization and architecture, communication and networking. Big data and consequences of uses of computing 150 min written exam. 40% of A level. Project Practical Individual programming project of the candidates own choice 20% of the A level

What does Computing involve? Theory o the main components of a computer o how data and instructions are held. o how an algorithm is designed and run on a computer Practical o how to plan a computer program to solve a problem o how to code your solution in Java

Why bother studying Computer Science? o Algorithms are all around. Computer science helps us understand the world we live in. o You can have much more control over the computer o It is a challenge! o It is fun! Sutton trust 2014

Should I have some knowledge of programming already? You can learn to program right from scratch… BUT You will need: To learn the basic rules of a computer language To have a logical approach to problem solving To be able to follow instructions carefully! To be very patient – if it doesn’t work at first, try again!

What support can I get? can attend subject workshops can attend talks and trips materials available on Moodle VLE can borrow resources from the library can get help from your teachers outside lessons will get a course textbook and course booklets will receive regular tests relevant to both theory and practical exams there are many web sites relevant to the course in class helpers (A2 students who did your course last year) can attend other Computer Science lessons (if machines are free) can borrow resources from the department can get technical help from the IT department

What else can I do? work on my own projects work on challenging extension problems enter for the British Informatics Olympiad take part in the national student robotics competition participate in a STEM project gain a CREST award for research apply for a summer placement at a University or business research and gain an AS EPQ in year 2

What do students who have done this course say? It is good fun and I have learnt useful skills Great course, great class atmosphere Enjoyed it and might open career path This course provides a good introduction to programming I loved being able to decide how to solve my own problems - it really gave me a sense of creative freedom This course is challenging yet very fun It's not all coding. There's a lot of theory work involved I felt the course really furthered my knowledge about hardware and programming. It has given me a good basic understanding

What do students advice? Be sure of the difference between computing and ICT Learn code by writing a fun program Learn your theory – it’s not just all programming Be prepared to complete all work set

What is the difference between Computing and ICT Applied? Computing: is an exam based subject – you need to be logical (generally good at Maths), a good problem solver, persistent and patient. You will learn to program in Java from scratch. You will learn how to break down problems of all kinds into small steps that can form the framework of a computer program. Applied ICT: coursework units and an onscreen exam – you need to enjoy problem solving using software and to want to learn how to use software to a high level. You must also be prepared to carry out extensive research for your e-book and write about your findings.