“I think I made the right choice of courses when I came to college. BTEC has a practical approach, so I've really enjoyed the lessons and learnt a lot as well. The Learning Curve has lots of resources like books and computers which I can use to help me with all of my subjects.”
Matthew Murohy, 17

Computing

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including a Grade ‘C’ or above in GCSE Maths.

About the Subject

Computing is the study of the design, operation and use of computers and software in business and commercial environments. It concentrates on the fundamentals of hardware and software, networking and practical systems development.

Computing is NOT the same as Information and Communications Technology. You will look at Internet technologies, but you will not spend great amounts of time designing web pages. There is no practical work building PCs in Computing, although you will learn how modern computers and processors work. You will also learn a programming language in your AS year and this language will help you code your second year project.p>

AS Year

Unit Name Type of 
Assessment		 Date of Exam Weighting in
AS		 Weighting in
A2
Module 1 Computer
Fundamentals		 Written Exam Jan
2012		 50% 25%
Module 2 Programming Techniques
and Logical Methods		 Written Exam June
2012		 50% 25%

A2 Year

Unit Name Type of 
Assessment		 Date of Exam Weighting in
A2\
Module 2 Advanced
Computing Theory 		Written exam June
2013		 30%
Module 3 The Practical Project
(coding in Delphi)		 Coursework N/A 20%

General Information

Computing teaching staff will use a wide variety of teaching methods to help you be successful. These range from short lectures and demonstrations to independent learning exercises that you can carry out in your own time.

The department has access to an interactive white board and LCD projector, so demonstrations and activities are usually interactive, where you can see the effect of your actions and decisions in real-time.

In your programming lessons, you will be introduced to Delphi, a programming environment based on the Pascal language. You will use it to create small easy to code programs that will illustrate basic concepts in the understanding of how computer languages work and are used. These will slowly build up to more complex examples that will also allow you to develop many of the skills and techniques you will need to attempt the online exam.

Tutors expect that you will do extra reading outside of lessons They will expect that you also make use of the Department’s more specialised collection of books, magazines and journals.

Enthusiastic use of library and computer-based facilities to support and broaden learning is greatly encouraged.

What Next?

After successfully completing the AS or A Level in Computing, you may consider developing your studies at a higher level, such as on a degree or HND programme.

Computing (and ICT) courses are a very popular degree course choice in the UK and concentrate on computer fundamentals as well as cutting edge technology.

Some of the courses you may go on to study:

  • Computer Science
  • Multimedia
  • Web Design
  • Software Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Systems
  • Electronics

Job opportunities in Computing are excellent, and your skills could lead you to employment anywhere in the world!