How will I be examined? This four-unit (two-component) specification requires pupils to:
logically and critically. They will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies. Why might I choose to study computer science at A-level? Careers in computing are everywhere in modern society. Examples of careers include games developer, manager of IT and communications services, app developer, cyber intelligence officer, project manager, network manager and social media manager. Being at the forefront of technological developments means that you will have access to jobs which don’t currently exist or haven’t yet been thought of! Whilst in many cases computer science A level is not necessarily a requirement for the study of a computing degree, it does give a firm grounding in many of the skills required for further study. How will I be examined? We will follow the AQA Specification (7517). The content is examined at A level in three components: • Paper 1 (40 per cent of A-level) This is a 2½ hour exam done at a computer using previously released material. This exam will assess programming skills mainly but also some other mathematical topics which are heavily used in the world of computer science. Learners answer a series of short questions and write/adapt/extend programs in an electronic answer document provided by AQA. AQA will issue preliminary material, a skeleton srogram (available in each of the programming languages) and, where appropriate, test data, for use in the exam • Paper 2 (40 per cent of A-level) This is a 2½ hour written exam consisting of compulsory short-answer and extended-answer questions on a wide variety of theoretical topics • Paper 3 (20 per cent of A-level) The non-exam assessment assesses a pupil’s ability to use the knowledge and skills gained through the course to solve or investigate a practical problem. Learners will be expected to follow a systematic approach to problem solving What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? 20 per cent of the A level is assessed through practical work. Pupils have a free choice of topics and can be based on an area of interest of the pupil. The project will naturally involve a significant amount of programming.
• develop understanding and knowledge as well as critical skills for the analysis of choreography and performance within their own work and in professional repertoire • gain experience of choreography and performance through practice • gain in-depth knowledge of specific study areas and professional works What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? The practical elements of the course amount to 50 per cent of the full qualification.
Miss K A H Reid Head of Dance
Design and Technology: Product Design
What is the subject about? Design is all around us; everywhere, and without it, good or bad, we would not be able to function. What we get on, in, wear, sit on, eat off, read and write with has all been designed by someone, somewhere. The list is endless. This course seeks to explore all avenues of product design by studying it from both an historical and contemporary perspective. Why might I choose to study DT: product design at A-level? Society is being carried forward at an ever increasing rate by the development of existing technologies or by the introduction of new ones. In only 10 years it has been predicted that we will be able to 3D bio-print complex internal organs, such as hearts and livers. Computing will be impacted upon by the use of nano-technology to exponentially increase processing power so that computers will have the same intellectual capacity as a human being. Design and technology can not only teach us something about technological application and development, but other skills that will be important to us in the future, such as teamwork and collaboration, complex problem solving, physical dexterity, creativity and experimentation. An A-level in DT will also support university choices in Product, Furniture, Interior, Theatre and Sustainable Design, Architecture and also Engineering. How will I be examined? There are two written papers of two hours that are sat at the end of the course, worth 25 per cent each of the overall A-level grade. • Paper 1 will assess core technical principles and core designing and making principles • Paper 2 will assess specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles
Mr I R Shakespeare Head of Computing
Dance
What is the subject about? A-level dance provides pupils with the opportunity to gain experience of performance and choreography and to develop critical thinking about dance. Why might I choose to study dance at A-level? This course is particularly suitable for pupils who have studied GCSE dance and wish to study dance at a higher level. It is possible to take A-level dance without having taken the GCSE but some dance training will be necessary. The content allows pupils to study a subject which can be extended through higher education and promotes a healthy lifestyle through an awareness of the importance of exercise and training.
The non-exam assessment of approximately 45 hours, is 50 per cent of the overall A-level grade.
What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? By its very nature this subject requires exploration, experimentation and creativity. It also requires an understanding of materials and how to use them appropriately and efficiently. This cannot happen only by studying the work of others, although this is important.
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