ICT Department @ Key Stage 5

Course entry requirements

B or above in ICT and C or above in English and Maths

Why study ICT?

This course provides the ideal foundation for students who wish to pursue ICT at degree level or as a career. The qualification will give students the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically.

During the course, students will develop the ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts to solve problems and develop an understanding of the effect of ICT on individuals, organisations and society. Learners will cover exciting units such as information systems and applications, structured ICT tasks and ICT projects.

What will you study?

Information, Systems and Applications

This unit covers the fundamental knowledge required to support all subsequent units of study. It is intended to provide studentswith a deeper understanding and knowledge of basic concepts covered by Level 2 Qualifications. It will provide students with a firmgrounding for the rest of the qualification.

Structured ICT Tasks

This unit provides studentswith the opportunity to try a variety of packages, through board set tasks and gainwide experience whilst learning about design and testing of solutions. Students gain communication and presentation skills that can be transferred into the business world.

ICT Systems, Applications and Implications

A variety of areas are included here to bring this qualification up to date, including GPS and digital TV. Students gain an understanding of new ways systems can be implemented and the impact of ICT.

Project

The project requires students to draw together and build on the skills they have learnt throughout the qualification. An ICT solution is planned, designed, developed and implemented in response to a real-life problem identified by the students..

Future prospects

The course is excellent preparation for any computer science or information technology related courses at higher education level, and also serves as excellent preparation for any higher education course, developing as it does students' problemsolving and independent learning skills. The A Level in ICT is one of the most respected Level 3 qualifications within the subject area, highly regarded by University Admissions Tutors and employers alike.