AS/A2 Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) could be a new subject for you but even if you have used a computer or studied Information Technology at school, you’ll find studying Information and Communications Technology at Sir John Deane’s quite different. You will learn to develop your skills and knowledge in greater depth, ready to meet the challenge of HE or employment. Information Technology is the use people make of computer systems as part of their jobs. In practice, it means the application of technology to facilitate and improve the collection, processing, storage, retrieval and communication of information by an organisation for the control and advantage of that organisation.

The course is comprised of 60% theory and 40% practical work. During the AS year the theory is about information systems used by organisations. The practical assignments are concerned with applying ICT to solve problems. You will learn about the opportunities for and the effects of using ICT in the world today. This course also offers the opportunity for you to learn to use a range of software and hardware, thereby enabling you to solve problems and create solutions. At A2 students will focus more on the concepts associated with the use of ICT in the 21st century. There will be the opportunity for you to acquire some of the qualities needed in the ICT profession such as project management and communication skills.

What are the entry requirements?

We welcome students from all academic backgrounds and none of our courses require you to have a formal IT qualification or experience in any of the software packages we use. No prior knowledge of Information Technology or Computing is required. All you need is the enthusiasm to work and learn in a constantly evolving subject area where there are always new skills to learn and new applications of technology to understand and experience.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?

We follow the WJEC specification. The AS Assessment consists of two units. Unit 1 is assessed by a 2¼ hour written examination paper. This carries 60% of the AS marks (30% of the A Level). Unit 2 is a practically based unit where candidates undertake desktop publishing and multimedia tasks and comprises 40% of the AS marks (20% of the A Level).

Unit 1: Information Systems

• The theory of Information and how it is used.
• The capabilities, limitations and application of ICT.
• Candidates will be required to prepare a spreadsheet on a specific topic as a basis for Section B questions in the examination.

Unit 2: Presenting Information

This unit requires candidates to use ICT hardware and software applications to solve a problem involving three separate tasks, the production of:

• A document such as a leaflet or magazine
• A document containing automated routines, such as a mail merged letter.
• A presentation to an audience, such as a web page or slide type show.

The A2 Assessment consists of two units. Unit 3 is assessed by a 2½ hour written examination paper. This carries 60% of the A2 marks (30% of the A Level). Unit 4 is a practical relational database project and comprises 40% of the A2 marks (20% of the A Level).

Unit 3: The Use and Impact of ICT

In this unit you will study topics which include Networks, Management Information Systems, The Internet, Databases and Management of Systems.

Unit 4: Relational Databases

This unit requires candidates to produce a relational database project. The database project does not have to be based in an actual commercial context but candidates are encouraged to develop a realistic system.

Where might ICT lead me?

ICT offers a wide range of employment and Higher Education possibilities and can obviously lead to careers in the Information Technology/Computing industry through traditional degrees such as Computing, Information Technology or Systems Engineering.

ICT also offers much wider opportunities on degree courses such as Multimedia, Virtual Reality, Computer Animation, Visualisation or even Interactive Computer Entertainment.

In addition, there are significant opportunities when combined with practically any other subject from Science or Modern Languages through to virtual stage design in Theatre Studies. You will undertake a wide range of activities on the course and there will be opportunities to develop key skills such as communication, working with others and problem solving.

You will also need to develop good project and time management skills, which are essential skills for either Higher Education or employment.

Finally

It is highly likely that whatever your future career path may be, there will be some requirement to use ICT skills and knowledge effectively.

You will better understand what underpins the use of ICT and its effects on individuals and society.