Application Instructions
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE MARSH ACADEMY FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*
Applications Open: - 24 November 2023
Applications Close: - 24 May 2024
Entry Requirements: - Students wishing to study 3 Level 3 courses will be required to achieve 5+ GCSEs at grade 5 and above including English and Mathematics. However, some subjects have additional requirements in terms of the grades required. The Marsh Academy operates a sliding scale of qualifications which are outlined on the Marsh Academy website. There is scope for students to study 2 Level 3 subjects and also studying some Level 2 subjects. Students who wish to study two subjects must have attained 4+GCSEs at grade 5 or above.
How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices
Open Event: - 23 November 2023 18:00
Course Summary
Computing is an exciting course that gives you a strong understanding of how computers work and how to write your own programs. It focuses on problem-solving, mathematical reasoning and engineering based thinking. It is a good foundation for understanding future challenges in this fast-moving technological world. The Business and Computing Department at The Marsh Academy prides itself on the excellent teaching that you will be receiving. The facilities and resources are second to none and will help you achieve your full potential. There is a clear distinction between ICT and Computing. The two courses have been written to avoid any overlap of content. Computing is about designing new algorithms to solve new problems. This course covers the technical side of Computing including ‘Programming’ and ‘Computer Architecture’.
Course Details
Computer Science is about the devices and systems that enable our digital age to exist. It is not a study of the software used every day in offices and homes around the world but more about how these systems actually work, how they do what they do, their limitations, their strengths and the astounding way we humans have adapted basic logical thinking to create such amazing tools.
Over the whole two years you will:
• Learn to program using a high level (3GL) language
• Appreciate the role of binary in storing numerical and non-numerical data
• Learn how images and sound are stored digitally
• Understand the use of logic gates and Boolean Algebra
• Grasp how software and hardware work together to form the systems of today
• Visualise how the processor works by studying the Fetch-Execute Cycle
• Know how data can be stored, sorted and searched through
• Gain an appreciation of the use of vectors within the computing field
• Learn about Finite State Machines, Regular Expressions and Language
• Extend your understanding of fundamental computing by studying Turning Machines
• Study the role of operating systems, explore networking and the way the internet works
• Become aware of the client-side and server-side languages of the web
• Understand how 4GL languages are used to manipulate data or diagnose illnesses.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
This course is 100% linear with all examinations taken at the end of year 13.
• Paper 1: Computer Systems, worth 40% of the final grade.
• Paper 2: Algorithms and Programming, worth 40% of the final grade.
• Programming Project (internal programming project) 20% of the final grade.
Entry requirements
Students must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs grade 5 or above including English and a minimum grade 7 in Computer Science and a grade 6 in Mathematics.
Equipment required
No specialist equipment required
Your next steps...
One can study Computing and go on to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science. However, if you decide to do a computing related degree then this A level will be extremely useful. Some universities demand Maths A level as one of their requirements to do a Computer Science Degree (please check university website for more information).
Additional information
For more courses like this, check our courses page.
