ICT (Applied) GCE A Level

ICT (Applied) GCE A Level

Qualification: AS/A2 (Applied) - 2 year course

Course type: Level 3 (advanced)

Entry requirements:
4 x GCSE B grades.

It is not necessary to have studied ICT at GCSE level prior to starting the course, but some working knowledge of common software packages is beneficial.

Head of Department: Mrs Clare Russell

Course assessment:
There are no written exams.

All of the above units are assessed by the portfolios of work developed throughout the course, with the exception of AS Unit 1 and A2 Unit 10. These two units are assessed by practical (computer-based) exams.

What can this course offer me?
Applied ICT is a practical approach to the study of ICT. Throughout the course, ICT is related closely to real-life situations, making it relevant to your everyday life and your work in other subjects. It offers you the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding which prepare you for higher education or employment in many fields.
If you work hard, you are likely to achieve top grades. Since this course was introduced, over half of students have achieved A-B grades. Students have consistently achieved much more than their nationally-set target grades would predict.
You will use KGV's five well equipped computer suites, and the Learning Resource Centre, which are full of the technology required for the course. You will use the college intranet and internal email extensively as learning resources, for two-way communication with the knowledgeable course tutors.

What will I learn?
You will develop a broad background in ICT, as the units are very diverse.

At AS level (Year 1) you will study 3 units:

• Unit 1: ICT and Society
• Unit 2: ICT and Organisations
• Unit 3: Data Handling

At A2 level (Year 2) you will study a further 3 units:

• Unit 8: Project Management
• Unit 10: Advanced Spreadsheet Design
• Unit 14: Interactive Multimedia

All lessons will be based in computer suites, and will be very practical in approach. Every effort is made to apply the work to relevant real-life situations, and to this end visits and visiting speakers are a central part of the course.

What Makes a good ICT (Applied) student?
Applied ICT is aimed at students who need to be able to apply their ICT skills to their work in other fields. Applied ICT students need to be well motivated and have good time management, as the course is assessed continually.

Which other courses link well with this subject?
Applied ICT is an excellent supporting subject, combining with any other subjects where ICT skills may be useful. The practical skills developed will support all other courses. Common subject combinations include Business Studies, Economics, Maths, etc.

Future Opportunities
Students who learn best from practical experience rather than theoretical work often succeed at Applied ICT. Students who are better at coursework than exams find that their achievement in this subject reflects their true potential. Students whose other subjects are very theoretical find that the course offers a welcome change of approach.

Studying Applied ICT allows you to progress onto a wide range of higher education courses. UCAS points are accumulated in exactly the same way as for other AS/A2 subjects.
The ICT skills you learn will serve you well in your study of other subjects, or you might choose to study an IT-related subject to degree level. Applied ICT develops a broad base of ICT knowledge, which will be invaluable in any future career, and will also be of benefit in your everyday life.

Is there anything else I need to know?
Danielle Rimmer, A2 Applied ICT (also studying A2 Law and A2 Sociology), from Greenbank, says:
Applied ICT is great for people who prefer practical learning. With friendly staff to help you progress through your work you are guaranteed to do well. I like the subject because it helps you with skills you may need within other subjects and/or in the workplace, even if not ICT related.