The AS and GCE Advanced Level ICT course should encourage students to:
- develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using ICT;
- develop an understanding of the range of applications of ICT and the effects of their use;
- develop an understanding of the organisation of computer systems including software, data, hardware, communications and people;
- acquire the skills necessary to apply this understanding to developing computer-based solutions to problems.
In addition, AS and GCE Advanced Level ICT course encourages students to:
- develop an understanding of the main principles of systems analysis and design, methods of problem formulation and planning of solutions using ICT and systematic methods of implementation, testing and documentation;
- develop their capacity for critical thinking, see relationships between different aspects of the subject and perceive their field of study in a broader perspective;
- develop their project management skills and understanding of the need for team working
It should be of use to:
- those students who may subsequently wish to specialise in the subject itself.
- those students whose main interest lies in other subject areas but wish to be fully equipped to make effective use of computers now or in the future.
- those students wishing to seek employment post 18.
Course Structure and Content
It is delivered through six modules. Modules 1 to 3 are covered in Year 13 and form the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) part of the course. Modules 4 to 6 are covered in Year 14 and form the A2 part of the A level course.
AS Module 1: Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology. The main topics include: Knowledge, Information, Data, Components of an Information System; The role of communication systems; The impact of ICT; Problem Solving using ICT.
AS Module 2:Components of Information Communication and Technology. The main topics include: Hardware; Networks; Software Data; User Interfaces; Database and file concepts.
AS Module 3 (Coursework):Use of Generic Application Software for solving a given task. This module allows candidates to develop practical aspects of the subject and to apply their knowledge and understanding of ICT. Candidates will be expected to produce a documented ICT solution to a task-related problem. The tasks will be self-contained with limited scope.
A2 Module 4: Development of Information Systems. The main topics include: Database Management Systems; Network communication; Networked Systems, Systems Development; Software Development; Software Quality; Human/Computer Interaction.
A2 Module 5:Uses of Information Systems. The main topics include: Information and Data within an organisation; Information Systems within an organisation; Management Information Systems; Strategies used within Management Information Systems; Developments and change within a Management Information Systems; Security and Legal issues within Management Information Systems User support and training within a Management Information Systems; Social impact of Management Information Systems.
A2 Module 6 (Coursework):Development of an application package for a third party. The coursework will require candidates to identify and research an open-ended realistic problem for which there must be a real end-user. The problem should be of a substantial nature and should support the integration of the various skills and concepts developed during the course.
Scheme of Assessment
The Advanced Subsidiary GCE forms 50% of the full Advanced GCE and can be taken as a stand-alone specification or as part of the full Advanced GCE course. The table below gives the mode of assessment and weighting for each unit of the course.
| Unit |
Level |
Name |
Mode of Assessment |
Duration |
AS Weighting |
A Level Weighting |
| 1 |
AS |
Fundamentals of Information and Communication Techology |
Written Examination |
1 hour 30 mins |
30% |
15% |
| 2 |
AS |
Components of Information Communication and Technology |
Written Examination |
1 hour 30 mins |
40% |
20% |
| 3 |
AS |
Use of Generic Application Software for solving a given task |
Coursework |
- |
30% |
15% |
| 4 |
A2 |
Development of Information Systems |
Written Examination |
1 hour 30 mins |
- |
15% |
| 5 |
A2 |
Uses of Information Systems |
Written Examination |
1 hour 30 mins |
- |
20% |
| 6 |
A2 |
Development of an application package for a third party |
Coursework |
- |
- |
15% |
Advanced Subsidiary GCE Students take modules 1,2 and 3
Advanced GCE (full A level) Students take units 1,2,3,4,5 and 6
Entry Requirements
Desirable entry requirements would be a grade B or higher in GCSE Information Systems.
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