Sixth Form

ICT (AS and A2)
AS

Unit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World

This will involve the practical use of ICT, involving the identifying, designing, producing, testing, documenting and evaluating of solutions. Students will also study data entry, storage, output of information, use of software, and current health and safety legislation.

Assessment consists of a 1 ½ hour written examination which constitutes 50% of the AS marks and 25% of the A Level marks. Section A will be short answer questions, section B will be made up of 3 or more structured questions requiring discursive answers.

Unit 2: Living in the Digital World

Students will study ICT systems, their components, uses, users, safety and security, as well as data and information, data transfer, backup and recovery.

Assessment consists of a 1 ½ hour written examination which constitutes 50% of the AS and 25 % of the A Level marks.

Section A: short answer questions; Section B: 3 or more structured questions requiring discursive answers. All questions are compulsory. Section A will be short answer questions, section B will be made up of 3 or more structured questions requiring discursive answers.
A2
At A2, students will study the concepts associated with the use of ICT in the 21st century. They will also have opportunities for acquiring 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.

Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World. Topics studied include:

Developments in technology, information needs of organisations, ICT systems, management of ICT
Developing ICT systems, introducing large ICT systems into organisations
Training and supporting users of ICT systems.

Assessment is via a 2 hour written paper. Students will be provided with pre-release material. Section A will consist of questions based on the pre-release material;
Section B comprises questions requiring extended prose answers. This unit accounts for 30% of the total A Level marks.

Unit 4: Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World. Topics studied include:

Practical issues 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.
Candidates must produce a report based upon their practical work/investigation. The report will be internally marked and externally moderated. It accounts for 20% of the total A Level marks.

Entry requirements
5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English and Maths. It is recommended that students have studied ICT at GCSE level, although this is not essential.