ICT A Level

The ICT course focuses on the principles, knowledge and skills associated with information systems. There is an emphasis on the development of a wide range of practical skills, which can then be tailored to perform useful tasks. There will be a study of the effects and limitations of ICT systems, and the new opportunities that they can create in organisations and society. You will be able to go on to study ICT and related courses at university. The skills you learn in this subject will be useful in Higher Education and your future career.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 38 points for your average GCSE score, Mathematics and English Language at grades A*-C plus at least three other GCSEs from our specified range of GCSE subjects and a satisfactory reference.

If a candidate has not had the opportunity to take GCSE ICT, they must be able to present evidence of previous ICT work achieved. This course is not suitable for students who have never used a computer before beyond word processing and entertainment.

International Entry Requirements
IELTS 5.5, High School Certificate Grade C or above (or equivalent)

Content and Assessment

In Year 1, for AS, you will look at what is meant by Information, how it can be used in the context of information systems and the impact of such systems on organisations and society at large. You will learn some of the basic technical means by which information systems are implemented. Alongside this study we hope to develop your practical skills in applications packages. This will enable you to complete a task based on a number of software applications. This work will be used to complete a written exam

In Year 2, A2 studies look more fully at the development life cycle of a corporate information system and its wider impact in terms of project management, user training and legal implications. The technical aspects will be covered in more depth. A substantial coursework project, based on a real life problem, will be developed throughout the year. Students are not expected to learn a programming language on this course.

Coursework

There is no coursework in the first year. Unit 4 in the second year is coursework and is 40% of the A2 marks.

Course Duration

The A level qualification ia a full-time course achieved over a two year period. In the first year you study the AS modules and in the second year you will study the A2 modules. The year begins in September and runs through to the beginning of July.

Progression

AS/A2 Level ICT can lead to a range of opportunities both in employment and Higher Education. ICT is a constantly changing subject and many students find this exciting. You will get a chance to develop your own software applications.