Computer Science is a subject that, by its nature, requires you to consider individual, moral, ethical, social, cultural and contemporary issues. Computers are widely used in all aspects of government, business, industry, education, leisure and the home. In this increasingly technological age a study of Computer Science, and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems, is not only valuable but also essential to the future wellbeing of the country.
Course Outline
Computer Systems (1) - 2½ hours written examination
You will gain an understanding of operating systems; the characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices, software and software development, exchanging data, data types, data structures and algorithms Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. This element contains most of the content of the qualification and is assessed in a written paper recalling knowledge and understanding.
Algorithms and Programming (2) - 2½ hours written examination
You will gain an understanding of elements of computational thinking, problem solving and programming and algorithms. This component relates principally to problem solving skills needed to apply the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computer Systems component 01.
Programming Project (3 or 4) - Portfolio based Assessment
This is a practical portfolio-based assessment with a task chosen by you and/or your teacher. It will involve you using an appropriate programming language. You will gain an understanding of definition, investigation and analysis, system design, software development and testing; documentation, evaluation and how to produce written reports covering these topics.
You will choose a computing problem to work through which will include:
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