H446/03
Programming Project (NEA)
70 marks • 20% of A-Level
Important Notice
This guidance provides high-level advice only. Your project must be your own original work. Copying solutions or using excessive external help may constitute malpractice.
Analysis
9 marks- Identify a suitable problem requiring computational solution
- Define clear stakeholder requirements through investigation
- Document specific, measurable objectives
- Research existing solutions and identify limitations
- Justify chosen computational approach
Design
12 marks- Create detailed data structures with justification
- Design algorithms using appropriate notations (pseudocode/flowcharts)
- Plan modular structure with clear interfaces
- Design user interface mockups with usability considerations
- Include file structures and database schemas where relevant
- Demonstrate decomposition of complex problems
Development
25 marks- Implement solution following design documentation
- Use appropriate programming paradigms (OOP where suitable)
- Write clean, well-commented code
- Apply good coding practices and conventions
- Implement input validation and error handling
- Use advanced techniques appropriate to A-Level (recursion, file handling, etc.)
Testing
8 marks- Create comprehensive test plan before testing
- Test with normal, boundary, and erroneous data
- Document expected vs actual results with evidence
- Include user acceptance testing
- Show iterative testing during development
Evaluation
6 marks- Evaluate against original objectives systematically
- Analyse effectiveness of solution for stakeholders
- Identify genuine limitations and constraints
- Suggest meaningful improvements with technical detail
- Reflect on development process and lessons learned
General Tips
- ✓Choose a project you're genuinely interested in - you'll spend significant time on it
- ✓Start early and work incrementally - don't leave everything until the deadline
- ✓Document as you go - it's easier than writing everything at the end
- ✓Ensure your project has enough complexity to demonstrate A-Level skills
- ✓Back up your work regularly - losing work is not an acceptable excuse