ICT A-Level
GCE (ICT) Information and Communication Technology AQA 2520
This new specification GCE ICT has been designed to help students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where understanding how ICT can be used in society and business, and the implications of its use, will be a valuable asset.
Among the many benefits, this new specification is designed to encourage candidates to:
- work co-operatively and manage projects
- develop personal learning and thinking skills
- provide quality ICT-based solutions to a range of problems
- develop an awareness of developments in technology.
AS Outline
At AS Level, there are two units which are complementary and are concerned with applying ICT to solve problems and the study of the opportunities for, and affects of, using ICT in the world today.
Assessment
Each unit is assessed by a 1 hour 30 minute externally marked written paper.
Unit 1: Practical Problem-Solving in the Digital World
This unit includes the practical use of ICT, identifying, designing, producing, testing, documenting and evaluating solutions. The more theoretical aspects covered include data entry, storage, output of information, use of software, current health and safety legislation.
Candidates will have the opportunity to put into practice a wide range of software and hardware to create solutions to solve problems, such as Web Site Design using Dreamweaver CS3.
Unit 2: Living in the Digital World
This unit includes ICT systems, their components, their uses, their users, safety and security. Other topics covered are: networking, data & information, data transfer, legislation, backup & recovery, factors affecting the use of ICT and the consequences of using ICT.
A2 Outline
At A2 Level, there are two units:
Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World
This unit includes developments in technology, information needs of organisations, ICT systems and the management of ICT. Further topics are the development of ICT systems, introducing large ICT systems into organisations and training and supporting users of ICT systems.
Assessment
Externally assessed Written Paper: 2 hours
Unit 4: Coursework - The Use of ICT in the Digital World
This unit includes practical skills involved in managing the use of ICT in organisations, investigating, analysing, defining requirements, selecting and using appropriate technologies, designing solutions, methods for testing and installation, documenting and evaluating systems.
In Year 13 students will study the concepts associated with the use of ICT in the 21st century. They will also have opportunities for acquiring the skills needed in the IT profession, such as co-operative working and project management. These practical skills can be developed in areas of ICT that are of interest to them. Students can also use these newly acquired skills as a springboard into other qualifications and working environments.
A typical coursework project could be a Web Site Design for an Online Business using Dreamweaver.
Assessment
Coursework task that is marked internally and externally moderated
To return to ICT Department Home page