Applied ICT - AS/A2
Why choose Information and Communication Technology?
Applied ICT at AS/A2 level is a wide ranging course aimed at producing effective, discerning ICT users who want to extend their knowledge and skills in using and managing computers and information. It looks at the role of computers in everyday life and in the business environment.
What can I expect to learn?
You will use a range of the latest industry software and develop an awareness of the benefits and drawbacks of ICT and its impact on the way people live their lives. You will learn how to select and use appropriate tools and techniques to carry out investigations, capture and handle data, solve problems, make decisions and present and communicate information. You will also learn how to plan and manage projects and work effectively with others.
How will I learn?
Both the AS and A2 units focus on developing your communication and decisionmaking skills. Through investigation you will gain knowledge and understanding of 'the information age' and today's 'digital economy'. Through a series of practical activities you will develop and refine your skills in the use of a range of software such as Multimedia, Database and Spreadsheet systems.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed in units 3 and 7 by assignments set by the examinations board that ask you to carry out practical 'hands on' tasks. You will collect evidence of your work for the further units in an e-portfolio. This is designed to be viewed on screen and will showcase your achievements. It will be assessed by your teacher and moderated by the examination board.
What subjects combine well with ICT?
ICT can be combined with practically any other subject from the sciences, mathematics, business studies, social sciences or foreign languages.
Where does this lead? What can I do next?
ICT offers a wide range of employment and higher education opportunities in areas such as computing, information technology or systems engineering but also provides a good grounding for much wider opportunities on degree courses such as multimedia, virtual reality, computer animation and interactive computer entertainment.
What background, skills and achievements do I need?
It is helpful to have studied ICT at GCSE level in order to have gained the basic skills and understanding of using computer systems. It is possible to start this subject fresh at AS level but you will need to be committed and have a keen interest and enthusiasm for the subject. Where ICT has been studied at GCSE level a minimum of a grade C will be required.
"The number one benefit of IT is that it empowers people to do what they want to do. It lets people be creative. It lets people learn things they didn't think they could learn before, and so in a sense it is all about potential"
Steve Ballmer
