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

AS/A Level - information technology
Entry Requirements:

Although previous Information Technology 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 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 and Access, within the Windows 2K environment. The course is presented with a practical bias, two sessions using computers and one session theory. The course does require high level skills in problem solving and the ability to accurately analyse situations.
Suitable Subject Combinations:
Information 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. 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 and Word. It also allows students to develop their IT skills by solving real world problems, using one or more of these packages. At the end of the AS academic year students are given the opportunity to experience a wider range of applications such as Dreamweaver (web page design), Swish2 (animation), Fireworks etc.
Assessment:

AS Two 11/2 hour examinations, each covering one of the two first year modules, and a piece of course work using an application to solve a real world problem. The application will be a spreadsheet. The exams will represent 30% each 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 Two examinations, each covering the two second year modules, and a major project, which is to be implemented through a database system. The two second year exams are worth 15% each and the practical work is worth 20%.
Progression:
University, Business, Management training.