Computing
Fourths, Removes and Fifths IAM International Online Award in ICT
All boys in the Under School are required to complete a course leading to the IAM International Online Award in ICT level 2. The qualification is equivalent to a GCSE and there is ample time for boys to complete the course before they reach the end of the Fifth Form via an on-line teaching package alongside their other studies. The course covers more advanced areas of Word Processing, Databases, Presentation and Spreadsheets and is assessed via on-line exercises, cross-curricular coursework and two half-hour examinations.
Specialists - AS, A level
AQA : AS Level 5511; A2 Level 6511
GCSE Requirements
Information Technology GCSE is not a requirement for the Computing AS/A Level. Pupils are expected, however, to have a working knowledge and a reasonable degree of proficiency in using PCs and PC software to prepare academic work. The course will appeal to pupils who have enjoyed GCSE courses in mathematics and the sciences. Pupils will be given basic tutoring in the course to develop, for example, better word-processing and spreadsheet skills.
Outline of the AS Course
The AS Level provides a basis for developing a number of computer related skills necessary to achieve an excellent grade at A2. The AS course specifically covers practical and academic computer systems, programming and networking concepts so relevant in today’s world. The course also covers the application and effects of computer hardware and software, including operating systems, application software and databases. The course’s practical module looks at the effects of computing and information technology on the environment, particularly relating to human and communication issues and encourages the pupil to develop practical computer systems design skills.
Outline of the A2 Course
The A2 course develops further programming skills and general computer hardware knowledge. The principles of hardware, software and applications introduced in the AS are also further developed. The final module in the A2 course is a practical project which brings together all the aspects learned from the taught modules of the AS and A2 course.
Practical Work
The AS and A2 course both contain practical work, by learning programming skills, analysing, designing and implementing application software and by means of the final A2 project. This practical work allows pupils to gain excellent information technology key skills which will help them with their general studies in other subjects.
Combinations with other AS/A level Courses
Computing is a useful course for scientists and mathematicians to study. The course offered by Charterhouse is Computing, which unlike the separate Information Technology AS/A Level, has a broader and richer technical, scientific and engineering content. The practical aspects of the course are similar to the practical modules within the Information Technology AS/A Level and these are also useful for pupils taking non-science courses.
University Courses and Careers
A wide range of careers and university courses are available for Computer Scientists and commercial Information Technology graduates. The ability to understand and use computing in business and engineering with a high level of applied skill is a positive advantage for pupils wishing to pursue these types of careers. An AS/A Level in Computing is a highly marketable qualification both in the UK and abroad.
B. K. Larrigan