GCE A’Level
Examining Board – Cambridge Education (OCR)
Subject Content
In today’s world, where ICT is constantly changing, individuals will increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy.
The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies. As well as the rapid development of new technologies that gather, organise and share information, familiar technologies like television, telephone and computers are evolving and being expanded by digitised information, causing a convergence of technologies.
GCE ICT encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding. This could form a basis for progression into further learning, including progression from AS to A2, and/or employment.
Methods of Study
Study methods centre around a practical hands on approach alongside learning theory work for an exam. Specific emphasis is placed on students’ independent reading, research and production of portfolio evidence (spreadsheets, documents, reports).
Methods of Assessment
2 x 2hr exams (each worth 30%)
Coursework 40%
It is achieved through a combination of portfolio evidence and examination units
AS Level (Year 1 has 2 compulsory units)
G061 Information, Systems and Applications
Topics covered in this unit include:
- Data, information, knowledge and processing
- Software and hardware components of an information system
- Characteristics of standard applications software and application areas
- Spreadsheet concepts
- Relational database concepts
- Applications software used for presentation and communication of data
- The role and impact of ICT – legal, oral and social issues
G062 Structured ICT Tasks
This unit gives the learners the opportunity to explore:
- Design
- Software development
- Testing
- Documentation
A2 Level (Year 2 consists of 2 units)
G063 ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
Topics covered in this unit include:
- The systems cycle
- Designing computer-based information systems
- Networks and communication
- Applications of ICT
- Implementing computer-based information systems
- Implications of ICT
G064 ICT Project
Here learners explore:
- Definition, investigation and analysis
- Design
- Software development
- Documentation
- Evaluation
Entry Requirements
Students should have or be ready to develop an interest in ICT software and hardware. They should be keen to explore the ways in which ICT has impacted on commerce, society and the environment. A good user skill level should be evident and the students should have completed a GCSE qualification in ICT.