ICT AS / A Level

ICT AS / A LEVEL
This is a traditional A level that develops a wide range of ICT skills together with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ICT. This course encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. As well as following the rapid development of new technologies you will also see how familiar technologies like television, telephone and computer are evolving and converging.

What and how will I be studying?
You develop your understanding of the principles of problem solving using ICT.

You will use a variety of application packages, including databases, spreadsheets, word processors, presentation software and web page creators.

By investigating a variety of applications you will become familiar with software and hardware and appreciate the impact that computers have on our lives.

Students will share their knowledge in discussions and tackle exercises appropriate to their needs.

The majority of the lessons are spent on a computer developing skills and putting theory into practice. Students will use the Internet and work through computer based exercises. Theory is introduced through discussion and note taking and backed up with written exercises.

AS - Year 1

Unit 1: This unit provides students with a deeper understanding and knowledge of basic concepts

• Data, information, knowledge and processing
  
• Software and hardware components of an Information system
  
• Characteristics of standard applications software and application areas
  
• Spreadsheets, relational databases, presentation and communication software
  
• Role and impact of ICT, including legal, moral and social issues
  

Unit 2: This unit explores generic software and develops communication and presentation skills

• Structured ICT tasks that explore design, software development, testing and documentation using a variety of software packages
  

A2 - Year 2

Unit 3: This unit covers communication between computers and between humans and computers

• The systems cycle, designing and implementing computer-based information systems
  
• Networks and communications
  
• Applications of ICT
  

Unit 4: This a substantial piece of work which is organised, evaluated and presented in a report

• Define, investigate and analyse, design, develop and test, document and evaluate a client-driven project
  

What skills will I need and be developing during the course?

• The subject calls for both logical discipline and imaginative creativity.
  
• You will develop your key skills of Communication, Information Technology and Problem Solving.
  
• You will add to your ability to use databases, spreadsheets, word processors, presentation software and web page creators.
  
• You will develop project management skills and an understanding of the need to work with others.
  

How is the Course assessed?
Each year the coursework element is 40% and a single 2 hour exam contributes 60%.

AS - Year 1

Unit 1: Exam comprising both short and long answer questions, May of Year 1


Unit 2: Coursework solved individually in class during the year. 3 or 4 tasks set by the exam board. Each task will involve the use of a standard application package.

A2 - Year 2

Unit 3: Exam comprising both short and long answer questions , June of Year 2

Unit 4: Coursework, one major project over a period of 8 months

What career opportunities are there?
In today's world, where ICT is constantly changing, there is an increasing need for technological and information literacy skills. The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as more and more businesses and households connect to the Internet, there is a growing need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies.

The emphasis is on business ICT but a qualification in ICT combines well with many subjects, including those that would benefit from an ability to obtain, manipulate, present and communicate information. It also goes well with subjects that contain analytical, scientific and technological aspects.

A few students will go on to take a degree in IT but students considering a degree in Computing would normally take A level Computing in preference to A level ICT.