APPLIED ICT
What does the course involve?
This will be our fourth year of this course from Edexcel* which aims to develop a broad range of ICT
skills and knowledge of the uses of ICT in vocational contexts. The course is a basis for progression
into further learning in ICT-related fields including progression from AS to A2. You will have
opportunities to discuss and evaluate the impact of ICT on Society as well as gain knowledge and
understanding of information systems within a range of organizations. The course is designed to
enable you to solve problems using ICT and apply this understanding to real-life.
ICT is an essential aspect of nearly all jobs and this qualification will give you an advantage in applying
for these jobs. The course gives deep understanding for generic use of ICT and new technologies as
well as for career progression.
There are six units:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
AS - Unit 1 The Information Age
AS - Unit 2 The Digital Economy
AS - Unit 3 The Knowledge Worker Externally assessed
A2 - Unit 7 Using Database Software Externally assessed
A2 - Unit 8 Managing ICT Projects
A2 - Unit 14 Using Multimedia Software
What qualifications do I need?
This course is suitable for students who have achieved ICT GCSE at grade ‘C’ or above (or a double
credit or above at CiDA). This course is the recommended route for those students who have
completed CiDA.
Equipment
Use of a computer at home with Internet access is important. Nearly all software is provided, apart
from Microsoft Office for home use (MS Access is essential).
Assessment
At AS level, Units 1 and 2 are internally assessed as portfolios, with Unit 3 taken as an exam under
controlled conditions. (see above.)
At A2 level, Units 8 and 14 are internally assessed as portfolios, with Unit 7 taken as an exam under
controlled conditions.
General Comments
Our aim is "Competent and confident students focussed on effective learning enabled by Information
and Collaboration Technologies that are simple to use and work at home and at school". The DEMOS
report** ‘Their Space’ states “In an economy driven by knowledge rather than manufacturing,
employers are already valuing very different skills, such as creativity, communication, presentation
skills and team-building”. You will improve all these skills, as well as ICT knowledge, skills and
understanding, through doing this course. We are continually enriching our course. Every other year
we run joint trips for Year 11s and Year 12s to Teesside University to find out more about ICT at
University AND in future careers.
Future Prospects
There isn’t a single organisation of any consequence in the UK that isn’t dependent on its IT systems.
To be a useful employee you must be proficient in ICT. The Applied GCE in ICT AS and Advanced
GCEs are broad-based vocational qualifications designed to allow students flexible progression routes,
moving on to higher education or further training and/or employment.
*http://www.edexcel.com/quals/gce/app-gce/app-ict/Pages/default.aspx
**http://www.demos.co.uk/publications/theirspace - Demos report into young peoples' attitudes to ICT
technologies