A2 Ict (Applied)

AS/A2 ICT (APPLIED)

Edexcel (2 years)

Minimum Entry Requirement

At least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, including English and Maths. Previous knowledge of ICT will be required.

Course Content

This course provides the perfect opportunity to study ICT in a more practical way, applying skills, knowledge and understanding taken from the IT industry. Students have the opportunity to present information in a range of formats using industry-standard web design, database and spreadsheet applications, and to configure software applications. Independent research of a variety of sources will be undertaken which will allow students to develop essential skills.

AS Level

During the first year of the course you will study a range of topics that will introduce you to how information is collected, presented, moved, used and evaluated by organisations and how ICT serves these processes. You will also learn about using web related software, the complexity of transactional websites and using of spreadsheets in a more complex way. You will have the opportunity to design, create and evaluate multimedia presentations. You will be introduced to the development of websites and learn about the systems and services of the Internet.

A2 Level

In the second year you will study ICT in areas such as managing ICT projects, using database software and using multimedia software. Within these areas will be the opportunity to learn about producing relational databases, and study graphics and animation, sound and video and evaluate how ICT projects work the staff involved and assessing what can and does go wrong dependent on different circumstances.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in Units 3 and 7 by assignments set by Edexcel that ask you to carry out practical, 'hands-on' tasks. You will collect evidence of your work for the other units in an eportfolio. This is designed to be viewed on screen and will showcase your achievements. It will be assessed by your teacher and moderated by Edexcel.

Progression

The A Level in Applied ICT qualifies for UCAS points so if you complete it successfully you could move on to study for a degree or BTEC Higher National Diploma in related subjects such as ICT, Computer Science, Information Systems, Multimedia, Software Engineering, Computer Networking, e-Business and Information Management. You could also go on to work-based training such as IT User/Practitioner NVQs or vendor-specific qualifications.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

You will enjoy this course if you would like to:

- be able to select and use appropriate ICT tools and techniques to help you carry out investigations; capture and handle data; solve problems; make decisions; present and communicate information

- increase your awareness of the benefits and drawbacks of ICT and its impact on the way people live their lives

- learn how to plan and manage projects and work effectively with others