Churcher's College Sixth Form Prospectus 2018

THE SUBJECTS
AQA 1511/2511 Mrs K. McCathie
COMPUTING
Computing is a broad-based course that develops skills and understanding relevant
to the modern world. Students will spend a large part of the course (at least 50%)
developing skills in analysing problems in computational terms through practical
experience of solving such problems, including writing programs. Students will
experience different aspects of writing and using algorithms for a variety of problems
using different data structures. This will develop a student’s capacity for thinking
creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically which is specifically targeted
in UCAS references. Students will also learn theoretical aspects of computer science
in the modern world including ‘Big Data’, how the Internet works, modern networking,
computer architectures and specialised devices. They will also develop the ability to
articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and
risks of digital technology. Students are also expected to keep informed on emerging
technologies within the computing industry.
Lower Sixth Course
There are two papers: a one-and-a-half hour theory paper (50%) and a one
and- a-half hour on screen programming activity (50%). The first paper requires
a student to answer theory questions on the fundamentals of computer systems,
data representation, computer organisation and architecture, communications and
networking and consequences of uses of computing.
The second paper requires a student to adapt a program real-time to test skills of
problem solving as well as answering questions on programming, the theory of
computation and data structures
Upper Sixth Course
There are two papers: a two-and-a-half hour theory paper (40%), a two and- a-half hour
on screen programming activity (40%). There is also a non-exam assessment (20%).
The theory paper covers topics such as the workings of the internet and networking but
adds the topics of databases, ‘big data’, and functional programming paradigms.
The on-screen paper adapts a program real-time to test skills of problem solving as
well as answering questions on programming, the theory of computation and data
structures
The non-exam assessment (NEA) assesses a student’s ability to use the knowledge and
skills gained through the course to solve a complex practical problem of the students’
choice for a real user. This will involve writing-up the project to document the systematic
process of software development.
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