AS ICT (Applied) Double Award

ICT (Applied) Double Award
This double award 'A' level is ideal for those seeking to gain a really broad skill set that is recognised by both employers and universities. You will be creative in your use of graphics, web, DTP and multimedia software. You will be innovative in programming, system specification and networks. You gain confidence in your abilities to work independently and in groups. You will gain ICT skills and also be empowered by increased knowledge, problem-solving and analytic expertise
You will assessed on what you do, rather than through exams. There are six modules in each year, and only one of them will be a written exam.

This successful course has consistently had our students doing significantly better than national averages based on their school GCSE results.

What Will I Learn on this Course?

Double 'A' Level Applied ICT will teach you, and develop your skills in, a wide range of ICT skills. Tasks are from creative topics such as digital graphics to challenging topics such as programming. You will come to understand how to approach tasks in an intelligent manner. You will develop a range of skills and have experience to how and when to use them. You will have learned how to manage large projects and work in teams. It is these qualities that both employers and universities are finding desirable in our previous students.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

Year 1: Full 'A' Level

Unit
Content

Using ICT to Communicate

A portfolio of standard business documents

How Organisations use ICT *
A case study into an organisation's use of ICT

ICT Solutions for Individuals and Society
The use of the Internet, spreadsheets and databases

Working to a Brief
Creating an ICT solution for a client

Interactive Multimedia Products
Create a presentation using Flash clone Swish

Developing and Creating Websites
Create, upload, test and evaluate a web-site

Year 2: Second full 'A' Level

Unit

Content

System Specification and Configuration
Updating an old computer's hard and software

Communicating Using Computers
Analysis of Internet and Intranets plus setting up email

Introduction to Programming
Looking at Pascal and Visual Basic

Program Design, Production and Testing
An in-depth Visual Basic programming experience

Database Design
Design, create, test and evaluate a relational database

Networking Solutions *
A study of an organisation's networking needs

* = exam, all other units assessed by coursework.

After the Course

On completion of this course you will have a double 'A' level in ICT. You will have a large knowledge and skills base. As well as being highly employable, you will also be well qualified to qualification that will enable you move into higher education. The double award Applied GCE in ICT demonstrates a firm commitment to ICT and whilst it will support technically based media, graphics and animation courses, it should not be viewed as merely an add-on to other subjects.

Subject Combinations

Double Award Applied GCE ICT is particularly suitable to combine with Business Studies, Media Studies, Product Design and Mathematics. As Applied ICT has a broad focus, it will combine effectively with most subjects.

As a double award 'A' level is a major commitment that is likely take up nearly half of your timetable, you should be sure it is the right course for you. Please attend our Introductory Days and contact us for further details.

Entry Requirements

Students are expected to have a minimum of five GCSEs grades A* to C as well as enthusiasm and commitment. Grade C English is desirable, but you do not need a GCSE in ICT.