AS/A Level Information & Communication Technology
Subject Staff: Sheila Picking (Head of Subject); Martin Youngman
- Level: AS/A Level
- Duration: 2 years
Why should I choose this course?
- To understand how ICT affects our everyday lives and its use in business organisations in the ever-changing world of ICT
- To have the opportunity to learn to use a wide variety of ICT packages
- ICT is becoming central to all our lives and this course combines well with all other subjects
- To give real insight as to how ICT can be useful in your future employment or everyday life. The skills acquired are valued by employers for a wide range of careers.
What does the course consist of?
- Developing a wide range of practical skills such as creating a website, blog, podcast, interactive multimedia, spreadsheets, databases and electronic photo album
- Developing the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate new systems
- Learning how we protect ICT systems against accidental or deliberate data loss, or storage of inaccurate information
- Legal action to be taken against misuse and abuse of software, data and networks
- Learning how to manage ICT in a large organisation
What are the entry requirements?
- At least 5 A* - C passes at GCSE
- A grade C or higher in GCSE ICT or equivalent, if this subject was taken
- A grade C or higher in English Language is preferable
How is this course assessed?
- AS – 1 ½ hour exam on the digital world
- AS – 1 ½ hour exam testing understanding of practical work
- A2 – 2 hour exam based on a given IT scenario and managing ICT in a large organisation
- A2 – Create and document an interactive multimedia system of your choice.
What might this course lead on to?
- There is opportunity in the first year for a few students to participate in the North East Schools Industry Partnership by spending a week at Durham University creating software for a real client
- It supports a wide range of careers or university courses involving ICT, business skills, graphics design or multimedia design