COMP1: Programming

The COMP1 unit (Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and Practical Exercise) teaches students how to use the Python language to solve problems.  It also teaches pupils about data representation and software engineering methodologies. The assessment is worth 60% of the A2 qualification and is assessed with an onscreen programming exam.  The exam required students to study a skeleton program in the python programming language.  This program is referred to as the preliminary material and this can be found upon exam boards website (AQA) from the 1st of March.

Course Outline

Week Topics Covered
1
  • Course Introduction
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Programming Languages, Compilers and IDEs
2
  • The Stages of Problem Solving
  • Variables, Data-Types and Assignment
3
4
  • Signed Binary Numbers
  • Iteration Statements
5
  • Hexadecimal Numbers
  • Finding Minimum and Maximum
6
  • Storing Text
  • Dry Runs + Pseudo-code
7
  • Arrays
  • Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity I
8
  • Half Term
9
  • Half Term
10
  • Assessed Programming Activity I
  • Target Grades Released
11
  • Structured Programming
  • Functions
  • Bitmapped Graphics
12
  • Parameter Passing
  • Global and Local Variables
  • Vector Graphics
13
  • Records
  • Arrays of Records
  • Compression
14
  • Reading and Writing to Files
  • Representing Sound
15
  • Role of Variables
  • Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity II
16
  • Winter Break
17
  • Winter Break
18
  • Winter Break
19
20
  • Testing Strategies
  • Dry-run Exercises
  • Error Correction:  Parity + Grey Codes
21
  • Validation
  • Hamming Codes
  • Software Development Cycle
22
  • Linear search on a static list
  • Linear search on a file of records
23
24
  • FSM Revision
  • Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity III
25
  • Half Term
26
  • Preparation for Assessed Programming Activity III
27
  • Exam Week
  • Final Adjustment of Target Grades
  • Preliminary Material for June COMP1 Exam Released
28
  • Review Assessed Programming Activity III
29
  • Review Preliminary Material
  • Suggest extensions to Preliminary Material
30
  • Revise role of variables in Preliminary Material
  • Identify Global and Local Variables in Preliminary Material
  • Revise types of parameters in Preliminary Material
31
  • Spring Break: Complete Easter Work
32
  • Spring Break: Complete Easter Work
33
  • Assessed Programming Activity IV
34
  • Review Assessed Programming Activity IV
35
  • Revise Data Representation: Numbers, Text, Images and Sound
  • Revise Error Checking: Parity, Grey Codes and Hamming-Codes
36
  • Implement validation routines into pre-released material
  • Comment Preliminary Material
37
  • Exam Leave
38
  • Exam Leave
39
  • Half Term
40
  • COMP1 Summer External Examination 1st June
  • COMP2 Summer External Examination 3rd June