AQA Computing

GCE Computing

 Computing - VLE Resources

AS Computing

At AS, candidates follow the AQA specification. There is no need to have prior knowledge of Computing or ICT. In the specification there are two units which allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of Computing.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise

The specimen materials for Unit 1 have been prepared using Pascal. AQA does not recommend one specific programming language to centres for this specification and for the live examination the skeleton program will be available in a range of different languages.

Topic list

• Stages of problem solving
• Drawing and interpreting simple state transition diagrams and transition tables
• Introducing the term algorithm, expressing the solution to a simple problem as an algorithm
• Programming in a high level programming language and the fundamentals of structured programming
• The binary number system, number bases and information coding schemes
• The stages of development of a hardware/software system.

Assessment

Candidates will submit print outs for external marking by AQA.
Short answer questions.
All questions are compulsory.

Pre-release material (skeleton program and test data) will be published in advance. Candidates will be expected to familiarize themselves with this and to use it to answer questions and write a program during an on-screen timetabled examination.

Unit 2: The Computer Components, The Stored Program Concept and The Internet

Topic list

• Logic gates and boolean algebra
• The internal components of a computer
• Hardware devices
• The fundamentals of computer systems
• The structure of the internet, networking protocols and the consequences of uses of computing.

Assessment

Question paper/answer booklet examination.
Externally marked by AQA.
Short answer questions.
 

All questions are compulsory

A2 Computing

The A2 specification builds on the content of AS with focus on programming and problem solving including communication and networking. For the coursework unit, candidates are required to complete a report on a computer-based solution to a real problem that they have identified.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Problem Solving, Programming, Operating Systems, Databases and Networking

Topic list

• Problem solving and algorithmic complexity
• Algorithms and data structures for problem solving
• Programming paradigms and object oriented programming techniques
• The role of an operating system
• Database design

Assessment

Question paper/answer booklet examination.
Externally marked by AQA.
Short answer and extended answer questions.
 

All questions are compulsory

Unit 4: The Practical Project

Topic list

• Evaluate the possible need for development of a computer-based solution to a real problem
• Document a design that meets the requirements of a real problem in terms of hardware and software
• Document the analysis, design, construction, testing, training and maintenance of a programmed solution.

Assessment

Candidates will be required to document the analysis, design, construction, testing, training and maintenance of a programmed solution to a real identified problem.

All information courtesy of www.aqa.org.uk