Course description
What is this course about?
The recently revised syllabus has been designed to be more exciting and more relevant to young people in this rapidly changing technological environment. The coursework choices have been broadened to include a wide range of software, hardware and communications technologies. You will look at how information is used and controlled. You will critically explore the impact of ICT in a range of real life situations. You will analyse issues such as ICT and the laws created to control its use, for example identity theft and hacking. You will be able to discuss and write in depth about the problems associated with ICT as well as the benefits.
What will I study?
Two units will focus on Living in the Digital World and the use of ICT within it. The practical unit called Problem Solving in the Digital World provides an opportunity to resolve a problem using a combination of media, which may include text, images, numbers and sound in a creative way of your choice. The emphasis, however, is on the development and testing of the system rather than purely on the technical aspects of the project..
In the second year the A2-level course builds on the work covered at AS-level. You continue to look at information but this time in the context of information systems within organisations. You look at issues such as project management and at what can be done in the planning and introduction of information systems to make sure that they work. There is also an emphasis on policy issues - so you look at some of the issues involved with the selection of software and networked systems bearing in mind that they have to be used by real people with specific requirements. The project work involves developing an information system, using many of the techniques learnt on the AS-level course. However, the A2 project will use more advanced software features and should aim to help users to make strategic decisions about their organisation.,
What can I do after the course?
Close to 80% of our A-level students progress to Higher Education. Alternatively, you could choose to enter employment.
