ICT Applied AS/A Level Single or Double Award

Curriculum Area: Business and ICT

ICT Applied AS/A Level Single or Double Award

Who is the course for?

This course is for highly motivated students who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a competent ICT user. The qualification is more practical than a traditional A-level and the skills acquired will support further study in any subject area. Students must be able to work independently and to deadlines.

Units of Study

The qualification has an AS/A2 structure. It can take the form of:

• A Single Award AS GCE (One year - 3 units)
• A Single Award Advanced GCE (Two year - 6 units)
• A Double Award AS GCE (One year - 6 units)
• A Double Award Advanced GCE (Two year - 12 units)

Units may Include:

Single Award

• The information age
• The digital economy
• The knowledge worker
• Using database software
• Using spreadsheet software
• Web development

Double Award

• Managing ICT projects
• Using Multimedia Software
• System design and installation
• Technical support
• Web management
• Web development
• Communications and networks

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is taught by well qualified and experienced staff. You learn by completing project and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations.

Methods of Assessment

The course is assessed through projects, assignments and practical assessments. Most units are assessed by the college and moderated by the awarding body. Both AS and A2 courses have ICT examinations. The AS is assessed by a two and a half hour practical examination about problem solving. The A2 assessment is a ten hour examination based on databases.

Resources

The college has an excellent network of up-to-date computers and the department has access to five dedicated IT/Computing teaching rooms. There is also a range of computing facilities available outside of lessons. Facilities include popular office software, professional web development and graphics programs, colour printing, scanners, internet access, overhead digital projectors and interactive whiteboards.

Progression

The Applied ICT A level qualifies for the same UCAS points as the traditional A-level. Past students who have completed this qualification alongside other qualifications have been able to move on to work, or degrees/HNDs in related subjects such as:

• ICT
• Information systems
• Software engineering
• Multimedia

Entry Requirements

Students are required to have five GCSE (or equivalent) passes at grade C or above or the equivalent from 4 subject areas including English.

Additional Costs

During the course the students are charged for printing and there are also costs incurred when privately buying reliable storage devices to back up their electronic files. In addition, a number of visits may be arranged which may require students to make a contribution towards travelling costs.