New GCEs for 2008
GCE Computing (2510)
Introducing AQA's new course specification for Computing for AS and A Level. This new redrafted specification has been designed to:
- prepare students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where a knowledge of Computing would be beneficial
- allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the fundamental principles of the subject
- require no prior knowledge of Computing or ICT.
The following information and specification outline will enable both practising Teachers and Subject Heads to be better informed and supported in the teaching of this subject, particularly if attending one of AQA's Teacher Support meetings.
Classification Codes
Every specification is assigned a national classification code indicating the subject area to which it belongs. The classification code for this specification is 2610.
Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one GCE AS/A level qualification with the same classification code will have only one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and College Performance Tables.
Centres may wish to advise candidates that, if they take two specifications with the same classification code, universities and employers are very likely to take the view that they have achieved only one of the two GCE AS/A levels. The same view may be taken if candidates take two GCE AS/A level specifications that have different classification codes but have significant overlap of content. Candidates who have any doubts about their subject combinations should check with the university to which they wish to progress or company they wish to join, before embarking on their programmes.
Assessment Objectives
The Assessment objectives are common to AS and A Level.
AO1 - Describe and explain the purpose and characteristics of a range of computing applications and show an understanding of the characteristics of computer systems; describe and explain the need for and use of various forms of data organisation and processing to support the requirements of a computer-based solution; describe and explain the systematic development of high-quality solutions to problems and the techniques for implementing such solutions; comment critically on the consequences of current uses of computing
AO2 - Analyse a problem and identify the parts which are appropriate for a computer-based solution; select, justify and apply appropriate techniques and principles to develop data structures and algorithms for the solution of problems; design, implement and document an effective solution using appropriate hardware and software, including the use of a programming language.
Key documents
