ICT AS/A Level

ICT AS/A LEVEL

Examination Board: OCR Syllabus AS H117 A2 H517

ITAS

How long is the course?
The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 modules over two years to make up a full A Level.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Higher Education
Employment
This course should be preferred over Computing if you wish to gain a good knowledge of the application of information technology in various fields.

Possible Subject Combinations
The course combines well with a variety of other Advanced Level courses.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to Higher Education and employment.

What is the course about?
This course is aimed at the numerate student who wishes to study current applications of ICT. There is no requirement for technical knowledge before starting the course.

AS Level - Year 1
Unit 1: covers the fundamental topics of ICT: data, information systems, characteristics of standard applications; spreadsheets, relational databases. Software used for presentation and communication of data, the legal impact of ICT and legal and moral issues.
Unit 2: structured ICT (coursework)-covers design, software development and testing.
If students wish to progress to the A2 Level, they must obtain a grade D or above at AS Level.

A2 Level - Year 2
Unit 3: Covers systems cycle, design of computer based Information systems, networks and communication, applications of ICT, implementation of computer based information systems and implications of ICT.
Unit 4: Coursework project.

Computing Resources
Students use industry-standard hardware and software including Pentium PCs within a Microsoft Windows XP professional environment. Students can expect to utilise the MS-Office Professional suite of packages as well as more specialised software. Access to the internet is widely available and all students have personal logins and user areas. All computer rooms have free laser printing.

The Learning Centre
All students have free and open access to the Learning Centre to utilise the computer facilities.

Study Skills
As part of Stanmore College Sixth Form's excellent support network, Literacy and Numeracy support is available to any student enrolled on a course, depending on the student's individual needs (determined during Induction by an assessment). Support is provided through the Skills for Life Study Plus Programme. Students can attend either one-to-one or group sessions in a friendly, stimulating and supportive environment.

What are the course outcomes?

How will you be assessed?

AS Level: Two units-one written paper of 2 hours duration(30% of A Level marks) and coursework Unit (structured ICT tasks) worth 20% of the A Level marks).

A2 Level: Two units-One written paper of 2 hours duration (30% of A Level marks) and coursework Unit (ICT project) worth 20% of the A Level marks.

Cost
Any text recommended should not cost more than approximately £25.