Course Content
The syllabus focuses on three broad areas:
• Computer Applications
• Computer Systems
• Computer Programming

There are four areas of study in Computer Applications:
General Purpose Packages, Communications, Commercial Data Processing and Industrial Applications.

The General Purpose Packages topic considers how computers can be used to input, process, store and transfer information and how application packages can be seen as tools with problem solving applications.

In the Industrial and Commercial Applications topic the study of Automated Systems provides an overview of the use of computers in control, design and simulation. The study of Commercial Data Processing gives an overview of large-scale data processing and the main stages of the data processing cycle involving both batch and interactive processing.

The Computer Systems topic deals with the main aspects of systems software, operating and filing systems, low level machine and hardware.

Computer Programming is concerned with the development of the practical abilities of problem analysis and design of solutions, practical implementation and evaluation.

Folio/Project Work
In addition to these three areas all pupils are required to carry out project work. This offers a structured learning experience where pupils can work at their own pace, creating and following their individual work plans. The folio in Computing Studies consists of one project, two items of non-programming coursework and two items of programming coursework.

Course Assessment
Assessment in Computing Studies is by external examination and internal assessment of folio work.

The assessable elements are:
Knowledge & Understanding (assessed by external examination)
Problem Solving (assessed by external examination)
Practical Abilities (internally assessed using folio work)