Sixth Form Course Information
Level 3 Extended certificate Computing
Course Details
Awarding Body: Pearson
Staff Contacts: Mr A Metcalfe (Ametcalfe@quarrydale.notts.sch.uk)
Key features of the course
- Understanding of key hardware and software to a high level
- Calculations related to Binary, Floating Point, Hex and ASCII
- Understanding of different computer architecture models
- Extensive coding in C# and other similar languages
- Creation of graphical user interfaces (as well as command line)
- Investigation and practical experience of security issues, flaws and fixes
- Coding of web based client and server side solutions
- 3D modelling and game design
- Coding of modern game design engines (such as Unity)
- Practical use of and creation of Artificial Intelligence
- In depth solution testing and error debugging
- Practical and theory elements of networks
This course carries the same number of UCAS points as a standard A-Level course but allows for more practical and coding than the A-Level course.
In this section
Entry
Requirements:
Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 with at least a grade 5 in Computer Science and Maths.
What could this course
lead on to?
Computing students are found in many walks of life but usually in a career that centres on :
- Network specialist
- Software coder
- Website developer
- 3D game designer
- SQL/Database developer
- Hardware specialist
- Tester / Debugger
- Multiple platform applications developer
Future prospects
and careers
The course will support access to degree courses in Computing, Computer Science, Game Design, Software Design, Network engineering etc Possibly leading to one of the career areas listed above.
What type of student is this
course suitable for?
This course is suitable for anyone that has completed GCSE Computer Science to at least a grade 5. A suitable student should have the ability to complete complex calculations, create code and script to a good standard and be able to test and debug ideas and solutions.
Computer Science compliments other subjects such as Maths, Science, Media
Assessment
Structure
It is important to understand the assessment structure of the course. What percent are the units ? Are they internally or externally assessed ? Are they exams or coursework?
Unit One
- Unit 1: Principles of Computer Science
- Externally set exam.
Unit Two
- Unit 2: Fundamentals of Computer Systems
- Externally set exam.
Unit Seven
- Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption
- Internally set assignment
Unit Fourteen
- Unit 14: Computer Games Development
- Internally set assignment
Quarrydale Academy, a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales , Company number 07891230.
Registered Office: Stoneyford Road, Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 2DU