A Level ICT

We teach to the AQA GCE ICT specification (download here). The A level course is split into 4 units - 2 in each year. It is not necessary for the student to have completed the GCSE in ICT although it will help alot. Expect to do more work at the start of the course in order to catch up to peers that have completed the GCSE.

Unit 1 - Students will learn about the design process in detail and to a more advanced level than GCSE. They will then solve a problem using the design process. Examples of the type of problem could be a photo album, website, multimedia presentation, organising a blog or an interactive multimedia presentation. The solutions will need to have processing of text, images, numbers and sound. The examination will involve the student taking one section of the report (analysis or testing) into the exam and the questions will be testing the students understanding of that section. Exemplar work here.
Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting: 50% of AS or 25% of total A level

Unit 2 - This unit is theory and discussion based. Students should be able to discuss and comment on issues from a position of knowledge. They will be expected to regularly read current events that are happening today based on ICT. They should investigate important issues that could have a bearing on their life's now or in the future. Topics include - ICT systems, their components, uses, users, safety and security. Data and information, data transfer, backup and recovery. Example exam here.
Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting: 50% of AS or 25% of total A level

Unit 3 - With the speed that ICT is developing it is becoming apparent that a successful company is one that can change fast. You will study a range of different organisations from a small business to a large muliti national and address issues associated with the management of ICT and how it is used in the company. Topics include - Developments in tech, info needs of organisations, ICT systems and the management of ICT. Example exam here.
Written paper: 2 hours
Weighting: 60% of A2 or 30% of total A level.

Unit 4 - This is the big one. Students are expected to complete a substantial project involving the use of ICT and all of the skills that they have learnt over the last 2 years. Students can work together. It is expected that a real end user will be found with a real life project that can be realistically solved in the time allowed.
Weighting: 40% of A2 or 20% of total A level.

And finally - Why choose ICT A level???? Download the answer here. (it has been written in your language apparently)