Computing O'level

The study area SEC Computing is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). GSCE Computer Science is informed by Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

In Computing, candidates take a hands-on approach to technology. The aim is in fact to help candidates to reflect on the technology they use every day and encouraging them to think about how and why it works, and how and why it can be better. In Computing, candidates are encouraged to focus on real world problem-solving. In fact, a key component of Computing is problem-solving through programming, where candidates get the opportunity to program dedicated systems and create simple applications of their own. This is in fact a source of great satisfaction to the candidates. Computing provides the candidates with skills required in further education, equipping them for the ever-increasing new jobs in the tech market.

The IT sphere is vast and an important part of various aspects of society. Computing will empower students to be able to choose an area they are interested in and continue growing.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• identify the function of the main components in a digital device to process both digital and analogue data
• represent data using different number systems and perform basic binary arithmetic operations
• describe the use and the quality of input and output devices
• distinguish between memory and storage in digital devices and describe the implications of the different technologies used
•  distinguish and identify the importance of different types of software and software licenses
• assess the suitability of different CPU specifications for different scenarios
• describe the role and the basic functions of an Operating System in different digital systems
• understand principles of machine logic in general and produce logic circuits, truth tables & Boolean expressions using the NOT, AND, and OR gates
•  show an understanding of a relational database, its structure and use
• outline networking concepts of how devices communicate
• produce algorithms, by applying problem solving concepts, and develop simple dedicated systems using boards powered by microcontrollers or System on Chip (SoC) technology
• distinguish between low and high-level languages
• develop programs using Python programming language that includes textual and graphical interfaces