Why ICT?
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) aims to develop an understanding of how computers are used within organisations and society, examining the nature of information, the use of information systems within organisations, the management of information and its uses in the policy and strategy of organisations. On this integrated course which also involves practical skills, students learn the effects and limitations of ICT and an understanding of opportunities ICT provides within organisations and society.
Course Overview
Unit 1: Information, Systems and Applications
As part of this unit students will learn about: data, information, knowledge and processing; software and hardware components of an information system; characteristics of standard applications software and application areas; spreadsheet concepts; applications software used for presentation and communication of data; the role and impact of ICT - legal, moral and social issues.
Unit 2: Structured ICT Tasks
In this module students have the opportunity to explore design, software development, testing and documentation while working on tasks covering various practical areas of ICT.
Unit 3: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
In this unit students gain an understanding of: the systems cycle; designing computer-based information systems; networks and communication; applications of ICT; implementing computer-based information systems; the implications of ICT.
Unit 4: ICT Project
Students explore the full software development lifecycle: problem definition, investigation and analysis; design; software development, testing and implementation; documentation and evaluation. Students do this as part of a practical project that they complete for a real business.
Assessment
AS Level is assessed by written examinations on Information, Systems and Applications and coursework on Structured ICT tasks. A2 Level assessed is by written examination on ICT Systems, Applications and Implications and coursework on ICT Project
Beyond A Level
No matter what students go on to do, ICT at A Level will be hugely beneficial. It can be combined with any A Level subject and in doing so will enhance other studies and provide a practical aspect to them. Some of our students take ICT alongside Business Studies. This has proved to be a particularly good combination. Quite a few of our students have gone on to read Business Studies at University and their ICT skills have put them at a great advantage.
For more details of the specification please visit the examination board's site here