Information & Communication Technology A Level

Course code: FTB022

School of Humanities & Science

The Programme

The overall aim of this course is to encourage candidates to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of ICT and to provide the knowledge and skills suitable for participation in an evolving information based society. The course provides a focus to develop these skills whilst ensuring that candidates acquire a sound knowledge of ICT. Practical applications and current ICT news are investigated and reviewed throughout the year to endeavour keep up with the rapidly changing world of ICT. The course involves solving ICT problems by developing a wide range of knowledge of the current hardware, software and storage devices available, ICT theory including the ICT system life cycle, health and safety, human computer interfaces and security of ICT systems and using several different software applications. Other areas covered include: components of an ICT system, people and ICT systems, transfer of data, backup and recovery and safety and security of ICT systems. Emphasis is also placed on looking at the impact that using ICT has on society, individuals and ethics as well as the consequences of the use of ICT and the changing face of computer use in society.

The Programme Content

This course is fun and interesting, giving students the opportunity to discuss issues that emerge from the use of ICT and also to use a variety of different software application packages. Learning to solve ICT problems and finding the best way to approach ICT tasks is a fundamental part of the course. We are proud of our success rates in AS ICT which have been improving dramatically in recent years, the latest 2010/11 figures saw a 19% increase in success rates and are significantly above the national average pass rate.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English. No previous knowledge of ICT is assumed so you do not have to have done GCSE ICT to join the course.

Costs

You will need to purchase the text book at approximately £17.

Venue

Barnstaple, Main Site

Progression

This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of ICT or a related area through a range of higher education courses, vocational courses (eg Information Technology, Information Systems and Business Computing) or direct entry into employment. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for candidates who do not progress to further study in this subject.

Length of Study

AS Level one year, A Level two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.