Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Computer technology impacts almost every part of our lives and this new Level 3 AAQ course has been designed to reflect the demands of today’s rapidly changing computing environment.
This course includes a practical focus supporting you to develop critical thinking skills to problem solve and develop software. You will explore how to safeguard information systems and examine human-computer interaction. You will cover four units to give you a firm grounding in computing. You will explore programming fundamentals, computer network security and encryption, human-computer interaction, and practical programming. The first two units will be assessed through exams, while the others will be completed through assignment work.
Our computing room features both high specification computers with large screens that are used for programming and software development, as well as older computers which you can take apart and set-up to form small networks. We also have a number of Single Board Computers and microcontrollers. Throughout the two years you will hear from visiting speakers sharing their experience and go on a trip to the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge. You will also have the chance to learn from local employers about computing-based career opportunities, such as Aviva, Norfolk Police and Farrows who have previously delivered talks and workshops for students.
This course needs to be taken alongside two A Levels or one A Level and a second AAQ qualification.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths.
How You Will Be Assessed
The first two units will be assessed by written exam and are externally set and marked. The other units are assignment based (like coursework) and although are marked internally, they follow a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB).
Course Progression
This qualification could support you to progress to a computing degree or an Apprenticeship. You could explore degree-level courses in areas such as software engineering, computer science, or computer games and animation.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This course could be a stepping stone to employment in roles such as software engineer, business analyst, systems analyst, network engineer, technical consultant, web developer and software tester.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
