Information Technology - AVCE

SUBJECT CONTENT

The Advanced GCE Applied Information and Communication Technology has been developed in conjunction with the ICT industry and reflects ICT’s use across industry, commerce and service sectors.

The focus is on both the hardware and software used to provide ICT services. It enables students to develop and apply ICT skills whilst developing an appreciation of the importance of ICT in society.

Applied ICT enhances and supports all post 16 qualifications and provides opportunities to specialise in areas such as networking, programming and systems analysis & design.

The 2 year course comprises 6 advanced units

  • It is achieved through a combination of portfolio evidence and external assessment
  • It adds breadth to a vocational programme of study

METHODS OF STUDY

Study methods centre around a practical hands on approach along side subject specific lectures and seminars. Specific emphasis is placed on students’ independent reading, research and production of portfolio evidence (spreadsheets, documents, reports) suitable for real business organisations and matching scenario brief.

The vocational dimension of this course requires the students to have the opportunity to visit external organisations such as small to medium sized businesses and multinational organisations. To this end we have made a number of links with companies such as Alliance and Leicester Bank, Sefton MBC, Pilkingtons PLC, St Helens LEA etc, which the students either visit or receive lectures from guest speakers.

METHODS OF ASSESMENT

AS year 1 has 3 compulsory units

Unit1: ICT and Society

  • Externally set and assessed exam unit – Pre release material.
  • Short answer questions based on a case study

Unit 2:ICT and Organisations

  • Internally Assessed and board moderated Portfolio

Unit 3: Data Handling

  • Internally Assessed and board moderated Portfolio

A2 year 2 consists of 3 units 2 compulsory and 1 chosen from 2 optional units

Units 8 Project Management

  • Compulsory internally assessed and board moderated portfolio

Unit 10 Advanced Spreadsheet Design

  • Compulsory externally set and assessed exam

Unit 12 Publishing

  • Optional internally assessed and board moderated portfolio

Unit 14 Interactive Multimedia

  • Optional internally assessed and board moderated portfolio

Portfolios are graded on a 0-24 point scale

  • 0-6 below E grade
  • 7-9 E grade
  • 10-12 D grade
  • 13-15 C grade
  • 16-18 B Grade
  • 19-24 A grade

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. Whilst no formal qualifications in ICT are required a good basic computer user skill level should be evident.