AS and A Level ICT

AS and A Level ICT
A Level ICT is a challenging but exciting course which develops students understanding of the use of Information and Communications Technology and how it is constantly changing. The impact of ICT is vast and the study of A Level ICT aids students in meeting the growing need from industry for individuals who can manipulate new technologies.

What does the course consist of?
ICT students will study technology issues and must demonstrate their understanding of them. A Level ICT is not a course for students who solely wish to learn how to use a personal computer but for those who have an interest in Information Technology, in addition to becoming discerning IT users.
A Level ICT also encourages students to develop a capacity to think creatively, analytically, logically and critically. The course has a strong problem solving focus where students apply their skills, knowledge and understanding to solve complex problems covering a range of contexts.
No prior knowledge of ICT is assumed but students who have studied a full GCSE in ICT will find the A Level enhances and broadens their understanding and provides the opportunity for using a wider range of software applications.
In Year 1 you will study units 1 and unit 2 to achieve the AS Level. In Year 2 you will take units 3 and unit 4 to complete the full A Level.
Unit 1: Information, Systems and Applications

60% of the AS course.
Assessed by a two hour exam in May.
Topics covered:

• Data, information, knowledge and processing
• Software and hardware components of an information system
• Characteristics of standard and application software and application areas
• Spreadsheet concepts
• Relational Database concepts
• Application software used for presentation and communication of data
• The role and impact of ICT- legal, moral and social issues

Unit 2: Structured Task

40% of the AS course.
Assessed by four practical tasks set by the exam board where students apply their software application skills to design an IT solution to meet client requirements, develop a solution, test the solution and finally document it.
Unit 3: ICT Systems, Application and Implications

60% of the A2 course.
Assessed by a two hour examination in June consisting of short and essay style questions. Topics covered:

• The system lifecycle
• Information System design and implementation
• Network and communication
• Applications of ICT
• The implications of ICT

Unit 4: ICT Project

Assessed by a coursework topic selected by the student.
40% of the A2 course.
A traditional IT project where candidates create and document a functional ICT system to meet a client's requirements.

What else do I need to know?
To succeed on A Level ICT it will be necessary to spend an average of 3-4 hours on homework and independent study each week. Weekly workshops are offered to provide one to one support.
Written communication skills are vital for this course, so some students may be advised to attend Study Support on a regular basis for specialist support.
The course does not require you to own a PC as the college has facilities which may be used. However some students have found that having their own is helpful and it is useful if students have the same software as at college.