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INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY OCR

AS/A Level ICT is an exciting subject that fits in very well with most areas of the curriculum. Past students have found it invaluable as a support to their science subjects, particularly Biology and Chemistry, whilst many mathematicians have found the logical approach of ICT an excellent accompaniment to their studies.

As a subject in its own right it offers a wide spread of research and learning opportunities which are well suited to anyone thinking of pursuing a career in computer management, computer technical or any general business management area.

It should not be considered as a route into programming, but is an essential for those students interested in system development (using software to solve problems).

The course is open to all students and it is not essential to have studied ICT at GCSE level to succeed in this subject.

In Year 12 the course is broken down into two study areas, the first of which is theory/research based and the second involves the use of software to solve a series of problems (four specific tasks) set by the Exam board.

The practical Units carry 40% of the marks available for each year, with the theory Unit being worth 60% of the course through an end of year examination.

Specific subject content is as follows:

Subject Content AS	Subject Content A2
Unit G061 – Information, Systems and Applications. Theory/Research based module with a 2 hour examination in June. Unit G062 – Coursework- Use of software to Design a solution. Including Software development, Testing and Documentation	Unit G063 – ICT Systems, Applications and Implications. Theory/Research based module with a 2 hour examination in June. Unit G064 – Major ICT Project. A project is undertaken for which a real end user exists and students’ follow the processes required to develop an automated system to solve a specific business problem using a suitable software platform of their choice.

Students are expected to undertake independent research, usually on-line, to supplement their learning for the examined modules.

All necessary textbooks are provided by the ICT Department.