9569 H2 Computing

Subject description

The learning of H2 Computing is aligned with the Desired Outcomes of Education (DOE). Through applying their knowledge of relevant computing concepts and computational thinking skills, students are able to create solutions to authentic problems. During the problem definition phase, students establish clearly what the problem is by determining the scope of the requirements and data flows. During the problem analysis phase, students think logically about how the problem can be decomposed into smaller and more manageable parts. During the design phase, students apply abstraction to focus on important parts of the problem while hiding unnecessary details as they think about possible solutions. During the development of the solution phase, they actualise the design by creating an algorithm that solves the problem. The last phase of the computer-based solution requires students to translate an algorithm into a computer-based program using a programming language that will work for the functionalities as planned. They also need to test the program to ensure that it works as designed.

These authentic learning experiences encourage students to become critical thinkers and innovators in designing solutions to complex problems. They are also able to develop perseverance and resilience through rigorous debugging and refinement of their own programs. Besides developing these qualities, there are also opportunities for students to think critically, evaluate information sources, collaborate with others and communicate effectively. The A-level Computing syllabus thus offers varied and enriched learning opportunities centred around the DOE by building useful content knowledge and developing the necessary skills and attitudes related to computing in students.

H2 Computing syllabus can be obtained at:

https://www.seab.gov.sg/docs/default-source/national-examinations/syllabus/alevel/2024syllabus/9569_y24_sy.pdf

Pre-requisites

Students who wish to offer H2 Computing must pass the Computing Selection Test.

Scheme of Assessment

Candidates will offer two papers as follows:

Paper 1 (Written, 3 hours, 60% weighting)

This paper tests all four sections of the syllabus through six to eight structured questions of different lengths and marks.

Paper 2 (Lab-based, 3 hours, 40% weighting)

This paper tests all four sections of the syllabus through four structured questions of different lengths and marks taken in a computer laboratory. The questions will test candidates’ problem-solving ability through the writing of effective and practical algorithms using HTML, CSS and the Python Programming Language.

Candidates are also expected to make use of built-in SQL database engine, SQLite, and a Python web application development framework, Flask, appropriately to solve the problems presented in the examination.

Candidates will submit soft copies of the required work for marking. The allotted time includes time for saving the required work in the candidates’ computer. The duration, weighting, marks and number of questions are as follows:

Enrichment opportunities in YIJC / Unique teaching approach

The H2 Computing Learning Experience

H2 Computing students in YIJC learn the subject through a gamified-flipped classroom approach on an online platform - Coursemology, where they complete lecture trainings, tutorials and missions to gain experience points, earn badges and climb up the Leaderboard. Lessons are very hands-on in nature and students have access to tutor's help by raising their queries in class or using the comment feature in Coursemology anytime and anywhere.

The students are also expected to complete projects, both in small groups and individually, to apply their theoretical knowledge explicating computational thinking to solve real-life problems.

Besides the Summative Assessment like the school’s examinations, there are regular checkpoints for formative assessment to help monitor students’ learning progress, develop better time management and train "on-the-spot" problem solving skills.

Enrichment Opportunities

The following are learning opportunities for computing students in YIJC:

1. Computing Workshops and Conferences – talks and workshops by local universities and industries 

2. Competitions – National Olympiad in Informatics, Hackathons, National Coding Championships, etc.

3. Learning Journeys to institutes of higher learning and industry partners.

4. Opportunities to collaborate with other colleges to plan nation-wide computing programme (e.g. BuildingBloCS)

Skill Attainment

The aims of the H2 Computing syllabus are to: 

1. Acquire knowledge and understanding of core areas in computing covering concepts of algorithms, data structures, programming, databases and networks. 

2. Develop and apply problem-solving and computational thinking skills to solve real-world problems using suitable algorithms and data structures in a web-based environment using a personal computer. 

3. Develop (i) an appreciation of computing as a dynamic and creative field including awareness of recent developments in computer systems; and (ii) an understanding of the social, ethical, legal and economic implications of computing. 

4. Develop attitudes and 21st Century Competencies (21CC) needed to do well in computing such as inventive thinking, perseverance, collaboration, communication as well as striving for accuracy and thoroughness.

1. Do I need to have programming background to take H2 Computing and do well?

No, you do not need to have any prior programming knowledge. The course is designed for absolute beginners. However, you would need to pass the selection test in order to offer H2 Computing.

Just like any other A Level subject, students who want to do well in H2 Computing must put in consistent effort, strive for mastery and have a strong grasp of the subject to make real-life applications.

2. How would the Selection Test be like?

The Selection Test involves a series of questions which requires simple coding.  No prior experience or background is required. This test is designed for students without any prior knowledge.

There will be clear instructions with a worked example preceding each question.

The purpose of the test is to assess the student's ability to:

• follow instructions,

• understand the given examples,

• recognise pattern,

• learn and apply the concepts, 

• consolidate and adapt to other scenarios.

* The duration of the test is about 1.5 hour, but the student can leave earlier if he/she has completed.

3. How do I apply to take H2 Computing selection test?

Students who wish to offer H2 Computing must choose the subject in their first and/or second choice in the online subject registration portal. They will be informed of the date, time and venue during orientation.

The Computing Selection Test will be held on 5 Feb, Monday (10am - 12pm).
      Students are required to submit their subject combination registration by 5 Feb, 8.30am.

You are strongly encouraged to choose a subject combination with H2 Computing as your FIRST

choice. Otherwise, you may not be required to take the Computing Selection Test if you will

most likely be offered the non-Computing Subject Combination that you have selected as your First choice.

4. What are the subject combinations offered with H2 Computing?

There are two subject combinations:

• H2 Computing / H2 Mathematics / H2 Physics

• H2 Computing / H2 Mathematics / H2 Chemistry

In the event that there is insufficient subscription for a particular subject combination, the college reserves the right not to offer that subject combination.

5. What will students learn in H2 Computing? 

Computing students will learn:

• Programming (Python) - Procedural, Object-Oriented and Socket Programming

• SQL Database and NoSQL

• Networking

• Web Application Development with frontend HTML/CSS and backend scripting for database

6. Does the college provide laptops for the Computing students?

No, the college will not allocate laptops specifically for the Computing students.

There are some laptops available for loan to students during lessons so the availability of the laptops will depend on the demand at that time.

Students under financial assistance scheme (either MOE FAS or the college) can purchase a laptop and data plan at a subsidised rate under the NEU-PC programme.

To facilitate learning, Computing students are strongly encouraged to have their own laptops, installed with all the necessary on-course software.

The recommended laptop specifications can be found on our H2 Computing website.

7. Can the student use the Personal Learning Device (PLD) provided by MOE during Secondary School for H2 Computing?

Yes, if it has the following recommended laptop specifications:

1. Operating System (OS) : Microsoft Windows 10 or 11

Rationale : 

i) The GCE A Level Practical eExam will be conducted on school laptops with Microsoft Windows OS.

ii) MOE provides on-course software installation only for the Microsoft OS platform.

"Good to have" Features & Accessories

2. Processor : Intel Core i5 or better or any equivalent CPUs (eg AMD, Ryzen ...)

3. RAM (Memory) : 8 Gb (recommended) or above

4. Local Hard Disk : (min) 50 Gb  of available storage space

5. Large Screen - easy to work on

6. Light weight - easy to carry around

7. Long Battery Life

8. Touch Screen with Stylus - handwriting and drawing

9. Pointing device or external mouse - easy to work with

10. Earphone with Microphone - for F2F and online lessons

11. Webcam - for online lesson

11. Warranty for at least 2 years

12. Suitable Carry Bag

* There is no need for a CDROM drive. USB Thumbdrive will be used for transferring data files.

Please note that these "good to have features" will increase the overall cost of the laptops, they are just good to have and not must to have!

8. Why is laptop with Windows OS recommended? Is it OK if I download and install Windows 10 on my MacBook?

The software installation package provided by MOE/CPDD has been tested to work with Windows laptops, we will not be able to support if the student encounters technical problem when using with MacBook (with Windows 10)*.

Secondly, we will be using Windows laptops for all the school's and A Level's Practical exam, you will need to be familiar with the keyboard, mouse and the function keys available in a Windows laptop.

In our past experience, most of those students using Mac tend to be unfamiliar when using the Windows platform.

Be assured that we want to prepare the students well for the A-Level Practical exam and would like them to be familiar with the exam environment and the hardware used.  Hence we highly recommend the Computing students to have a personal Windows laptop for the benefit of their learning.

* Addition notes for MacBook users:

Besides installing Python IDLE for programming, there are other software in the installation package which may not work in the Virtual Win OS in MacBook.

Any other relevant info

Please visit the YIJC H2 Computing website for more information. (http://go.gov.sg/yijc-computing)

You can speak to or email the Computing teachers at yijc-computing@moe.edu.sg