AS/A2 ICT

AS/A2 ICT
AS/A2

ICT enables you to become a â€OEpower user†of existing, commercial IT applications. You will be taught an understanding of the main principles of problem solving in ICT and find out how ICT can be a powerful method of storing and retrieving information. You will explore the use of ICT in commercial operations and see how it can be used to improve organisations' decision-making processes and project management. You will learn how to use software for spreadsheets, databases, presentations, web page design and multi-media products.

AS Course Content %
1. Information Systems

Section A: Information Systems
You will learn the importance of good quality information, why data is encoded, validated and verified, the dangers of computer crime and the measures needed to protect data. You will study various applications of ICT and the hardware involved.
Section B: Spreadsheet Modelling
In this section you will learn to use spreadsheet software to solve real-life problems.
Assessment: examination (2¼ hours)
2. Presenting Information
You will learn to use a variety of ICT software applications to perform three tasks: a document such as a leaflet or magazine; a document such as a mail-merged letter; and a presentation to an audience such as a web page or slide type show.
Assessment: internally assessed coursework tasks

A2 Course Content
1. Use and Impact of ICT

You will study how organisations choose, manage and problem solve networks. You will understand the impact of the internet on the business world. You will be able to explain aspects of ICT security policies and explore database and management information systems.
Assessment: 2½ hour written examination

2: Relational Databases
You will work on a relational database project, which you choose with your teacher's guidance. You will learn to address the issues of user requirement, design specification, implementation, testing, user documentation, evaluation and project planning.
Assessment: internally assessed coursework project

Please note that Computing and ICT are two very different subjects. To help you make your choice please read the Computing course description as well.
Is ICT for you?

You will enjoy and benefit from ICT if you:

l are keen to use computers as a tool for problem-solving;

l are interested in working on projects, both individually and in groups to find the best use of ICT in different situations;

l are considering following a career where ICT can be used as a powerful tool for business development.

ICT and your future

If you are interested in working in any business area: economics, finance, sales and marketing, human resources etc., then a full understanding of ICT will prove extremely useful. ICT combines well with many subjects including Business, Economics and Media Studies and can lead to a wide variety of university courses or direct entry to employment or training.