“Until now, basic skills have referred to literacy and numeracy. In today’s society, we believe it is as important that everybody can also use Information and Communications Technology (ICT)”
21st Century Skills White Paper
(Secretary of State for Education and Skills)
The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the Internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these technologies. As well as the rapid development of new technologies that gather, organise and share information, familiar technologies like television, telephone and computers are evolving and being expanded by digitised information causing a convergence of technologies.
ICT provides new opportunities for learning as well as changing the way in which we work. Traditional unskilled jobs are disappearing, while new areas of economic activity, such as multimedia production are growing rapidly. How and where we work continues to evolve as technology impacts on the workplace.
To meet these new challenges students must be self-reliant as well as good communicators and problem solvers. They require interpersonal, academic and technical skills and must demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.
A level ICT encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
No previous knowledge of ICT is required although students who have studied GCSE will be at a distinct advantage. You should be excited by technological developments and enjoy working with new technology and computers. The desire to study, read and research a variety of ever changing topics will enhance a student’s enjoyment of this subject.
COURSE ASSESSMENT
Both AS and A2 are assessed by means of TWO units.
AS LEVEL
Unit 1 (2hr exam) 30%
Information, Systems and Applications
This paper has one section, comprising both short and long answer questions.
Unit 2 (Coursework) 20%
Structured Practical ICT Tasks
Board set tasks that require students to find a solution to a given problem and to demonstrate competence in the skills of designing, testing, implementing and documenting.
A LEVEL
Unit 3 (2 hr exam) 30%
ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
This question paper has two sections, comprising both short and long answer questions.
Unit 4 (Coursework) 20%
ICT Project
The project is a substantial piece of work requiring analysis and design over an extended period of time, allowing candidates to demonstrate their skills to analyse a problem, design a solution to a problem, develop a software solution, test, document and evaluate the solution.
For more information please contact Mr Paul McDaid, Director of ICT.