AS/A Level: Computing | Electronics | Information Technology
Applied: AS/A Level Information Communication Technology
BTEC: | Level 3 National Award for IT Practitioners

APPLIED AS/A Level - Information Communication Technology (Double)
Entry Requirements:

Although a previous Information Technology qualification is not essential, it is a major advantage, especially with the practical work. You should enjoy working on computers as you will need to spend a considerable amount of your non-classroom time developing your skills. If you have studied IT to GCSE level and not achieved at least a C grade you are not likely to prove successful at Advanced level. GCSE grades in line with College admissions requirements.
About the Subject:
Information Communication Technology provides the student with an insight into the significance and relevance of computers, applications and communications in the work environment and everyday life. Students are given the opportunity to learn advanced features of Excel, Word, Dreamweaver and Access, within the Windows 2K environment. The course is presented with a slight theory bias, two sessions on theoretical topics and one practical session. The course does require high level skills in problem solving and the ability to accurately analyse situations.
Suitable Subject Combinations:
Information Communication Technology is a suitable combination for most subjects but is especially relevant to Business Studies.
Course Content:

‘AS’ level - First year of course:
This subject has two units, the first being assessed in January. The assessment paper will contain two sections. Section A will be theory based and Section B will be based on spreadsheet work you will produce prior to the exam. The second unit is coursework which will be based on three different applications.

‘A2’ level - Second year of course:
There are another two units in the second year. The first will be an exam in January, which is worth 30% of the overall course. This exam will access theoretical ICT knowledge covering the use and impact of ICT. The second unit requires candidates to complete a relational database project and this is worth 20% of the whole course.
Special features of the course:

The course introduces students to advanced features of Excel, Access, Dreamweaver and Word. It also allows students to develop their IT skills by solving real world problems, using these packages. At the end of the AS academic year students are given the opportunity to experience a wider range of applications such as Swish2 (animation) and Fireworks etc.
Assessment:

AS examination is 2 1/4 hours covering the theory and a piece of coursework using an application to solve a real world problem. The exam will represent 30% of the final AS result , (15% each of the final AS + A2 result). The practical component is worth 40% AS and 20% AS + A2.
A2 examination is 2 1/2 hours and is worth 30%, and a major project, which is to be implemented through a database system.

Progression:
University, Business, Management training.