A-Level Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

AS level (year 1)

IT1 - Information systems:
A written paper of two sections, A and B, presented in a question and answer booklet. There are no optional questions. Quality of written communication is assessed in two questions. Candidates will be required to prepare a spreadsheet on a specific topic, defined by WJEC, in advance of the written paper. Hard copies of the spreadsheet are taken into the examination and used to answer questions in section B. This spreadsheet is submitted with the completed examination paper.
Duration: 2.25 hours. 30% of the total A level marks.

Unit includes:
Data, information and knowledge - what these terms mean and the differences between them.
The value and Importance of information - how information is used and the importance of it to a company, managers and staff.
Quality of information - when data is processed it becomes information, the factors that govern how that data is processed to become quality information.
Validation and verification - how errors occur and how to reduce them.
Capabilities and limitations of ICT - data storage and processing speed of systems.
Uses of ICT in business - CAD/CAM E-commerce, bar codes
Uses of IT in Education - CBL, distance learning, video conferencing.
Uses of IT in Healthcare - MRI CAT scanning administration systems and expert systems to help health care professional.
Uses of IT in the Home - home banking, digital photography, home entertainment systems.
Presenting information - multi media, word processing, presentation software, DTP, databases and web design software.
Networks - differences between networks and stand alone PC systems, the Internet and WWW.
HCI - how we interact with computers and PC systems.
Social issues - Health and safety and the law (Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act and Copyright etc).
Database Systems - differences between flat-file and relational databases security and hierarchy of passwords.
Modelling - spreadsheet project handed in with the exam using mathematical equations in a simulation i.e. weather forecasting. 25% of marks for IT1.

IT2 - Presenting information
Candidates undertake DTP and multimedia tasks, presenting the outcome for internal assessment and moderation by WJEC. 20% of the total A level marks.

A2 level (year 2)

IT3 - Use and impact of ICT
A written paper of two sections, presented as a question paper requiring a separate answer booklet. Candidates answer all questions in Section A and one from two in Section B. Quality of written communication is assessed in two questions.
Duration: 2.25 hours. 30% of the total A level marks.

IT4 - Relational databases
Candidates analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate a solution to a problem of their choice requiring the use of a relational database. This is a substantial piece of work, undertaken over an extended period of time. It is internally assessed and moderated by WJEC. 20% of the total A Level marks.

Students will follow a programme which combines class teaching with small group work, practical skills, discussion, lectures, video material and case study work amongst other learning activities.

Find out more about our A-level courses here

End Qualification:

Year 1: AS Level ICT
Year 2: A2 Level ICT

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

5 GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including GCSE ICT. An assessment will be given in the first week of the course.

Assessment:

AS level
IT1 - Exam - 30%
IT2 - Coursework - 20%

A2 level
IT3 - Exam - 30%
IT4 - Coursework - 20%

Progression from this course:

HND and degree programmes at University, employment or the Foundation Degree in Computer Science available at the college.

Location:

King's Lynn Campus - PE30 2QW

Duration:

2 Years

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply online using the general college application form

Course Costs:

All students on full-time courses will need to pay a materials/resources fee. Details will be provided before enrolment. If you are under 19 on 31st August in the year you begin your programme, you will not have to pay tuition or registration fees for your course. For students aged 19 or over, there will be a tuition fee (depends on the course) for each year of the course as well as a registration fee (which includes exam fees). However, many students will be eligible for reduced fees and / or financial support towards the costs. Click here for detailed information. Please contact Student Services if you have further queries.

Students are required to purchase a USB stick and their own text books.

Additional Information:

Contact Student Services: King's Lynn - 01553 761144 Isle (Wisbech) - 01945 582561 A level courses in Wisbech are run and delivered in partnership with Thomas Clarkson Community College.