Clayesmore

Sixth Form A-level Courses Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communication Technology

Board: AQA

Syllabus: AS – 1521; A2 – 2521

Modules

1. AS Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World
2. Living in the Digital World
3. A2 The Use of ICT in the Digital World
4. Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World.

Method of Assessment

AS 2 exams of 1½ hours (2x 25%)

A2 1 written exam of 2 hours (30%) Coursework completed in own time (20%)

Further information

This is a challenging course and you will need to have studied ICT to GCSE or have a longstanding and highly developed interest in the subject. You will need reasonably good written skills to cope with the extended essay style questions in the examinations and the coursework.

The AS year focuses on working with both software and hardware to determine a solution to an ICT problem. This solution could include a combination of the following: audio manipulation – MP3 recording, mixing and editing; video manipulation – planning, recording and final editing; web design – interactive web design including e-commerce style solutions; digital graphics-capturing, editing and presentation; multi media – combining the above into a complete package for delivery to an audience. You will also need to consider the implications of the way ICT is used in daily life.

At A2 you will begin to address the issues associated with the management of ICT and its use within organisations. The course looks at organisational structure and how information flows using ICT. Strategy, policies and legislation will be reviewed. Systems development will be introduced, and the systems life cycle investigated. In the final part of the course, students will produce a substantial piece of coursework that reflects their individual skills/interest. Typically this may involve designing an e-commerce solution or a management information system (MIS) using commonly available database software.

ICT is a popular subject and fits well with other A Level subjects such as Business Studies and Design and Technology. Many students continue their study of ICT at university either as a single subject or combined with other subjects such as Maths and Business Studies.