Revision
This is revision for the end of year examination in computer science.
Just because there is a topic here does not mean that it will be in the examination.
Similarly, if there is a topic that is not mentioned then that does not mean that it will not be examined.
Software
You are expected to know how ro convert between the three number bases in computing, Binary, Denary and Hexadecimal.
Here is a quick way of converting from Decimal to binary. Start with the number (106) and divide it by two, the remainder is 0. Now the number is 53 and when divided by two the remainder is 1. Keep doing this until there is nothing left. The answer is the remainders, backwards. Neat huh? Try it, it works.
106 | 01101010 | ||
106 | 0 | ||
53 | 1 | ||
26 | 0 | ||
13 | 1 | ||
6 | 0 | ||
3 | 1 | ||
1 | 1 | ||
0 | 0 | ||
Glossary
algorithm | A sequence of logical instructions for carrying out a task. In computing, algorithms are needed to design computer programs. |
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ALU | Arithmetic logic unit - a component of the CPU that performs calculating functions such as addition and subtraction. |
binary | A number system that contains two digits, 0 and 1. Also known as base 2. |
bit | The smallest unit of data in computing represented by a 1 in binary. |
Boolean | A data type in computing which only has two possible values, true or false. |
CPU | Central processing unit - the brain of the computer that processes program instructions. Also called a microprocessor. |
data type | In computer programming, data is divided up and organised according to type, eg numbers, characters and Boolean. |
device | Any piece of computing hardware. |
execution | The process of a program being run on a computer. |
logic gate | Circuit components which take several inputs, compare the inputs with each other, and provide a single output based on logical functions such as AND, OR and NOT. |
overflow | An overflow error is caused when the processor does not have enough bytes available to process an instruction. |
programming language | A language used by a programmer to write a piece of software. There are many programming languages. |
pseudocode | A method of writing up a set of instructions for a computer program using plain English. This is a good way of planning a program before coding. |
statement | The smallest element of a programming language which expresses an action to be carried out. |
transistor | Microscopic devices that open and close circuits to communicate electrical signals. CPUs contain millions of transistors. |
truth table | Used to assess possible results of a Boolean algebra statement. |
variable | In a computer program, this is a memory location where values are stored. |
Set work
- Work for 20th December 2017
- Work for 13th December 2017
- Work for 6th December 2017
- Work for 29th November 2017
- Work for 22nd November 2017
- Work for 15th November 2017
- Work for 8th November 2017
- Work for 1st November 2017
- Work for half term October 2017
- Work for 18th October 2017
- Work for 11th October 2017
- Work for 4th October 2017
- Work for 28th September 2017
- Work for 27th September 2017
- Work for 20th/13th September 2017
Useful links (AQA Guides)
- Arithmetic operations in a programming language
- Boolean operations in programming languages
- Data structures (Arrays)
- Data structures (records)
- Data structures (Two-dimensional data structures)
- Data types
- Data validation and authentication
- Huffman code
- Input/output file handling
- Pseudo-code
- Programming concepts (Iteration)
- Programming concepts (Selection)
- Programming concepts(Variables and constants)
- Run-length encoding
- Random numbers
- Relational operations
- Subroutines
- String handling
- Structured programming
- Testing
Questions
These are questions that relate to the AQA guides above.
Revision
These are some revision topics and example questions that will aid revision for the year 10 examination on 23rd June 2017. Just because it is in this list does not mean that its in the exam and if it is not in the list it does not mean that the topic is not inthe exam.
- Revision topic - Binary
- Revision topic - Cybersecurity
- Revision topic - E-waste
- Revision topic - Hardware
- Revision topic - High and low level languages
- Revision topic - Huffman Code
- Revision topic - Images
- Revision topic - Logic
- Revision topic - Networks
- Revision topic - Operating systems
- Revision topic - Pseudocode
- Revision topic - Social Engineering
- Revision topic - Software
- Revision topic - Sound
Mock examination
Here are the answers to the mock examination that you took in the summer.
For many students the objective here is to understand how to answer questions, to see where silly mistakes were made that cost easy marks and to appreciate how the examiner can aske questions relating to the theory that you already know.
Coursework
Here is the information regarding your coursework as well as some worked examples to show you how coursework should be written up.
The coursework will be done twice, once with the example task for practice and then the real NEA task. You will only have 20 hours in which to complete the real task; there cannot be any extra time given.
- Teacher's notes - regading coursework help and guidance that can be given.
- Sample task 1 - area trainer
- Sample task 2 - cows and bulls.
- Solution 1 - cows and bulls
- Solution 2 - cows and bulls
- Sample task 3 - simple card trick
- Solution 3 - simple card trick