Course description
Duration and Levels:
Two Years, AS in Year 1, leading to A2 in Year 2. Full-time or Part-time.
N.B: Daytime programmes of study are available on a full-time basis, or part-time for those in receipt of DSS benefits and needing to satisfy the conditions of availability for work.
What does the AS level include?
ØUnit 1: Information - Nature, Role and Context
ØUnit 2: Information - Management and Manipulation
ØUnit 3: The use of generic application software for problem solving (practical coursework)
What type of assessment is used for A/S level?
This is a modular course. At the end of year one the first 3 units will be assessed. Units 1 and 2 will be based on two externally examined written papers - worth 30% each, and Unit 3 is the coursework assessment, which is worth 40%.
What does the A2 level include?
ØUnit 4: Information Systems within Organisations
ØUnit 5: Information - Policy, Strategy and Systems
ØUnit 6: The use of Information Systems for problem solving (practical coursework)
What type of assessment is used for A2 level?
This incorporates the A/S level assessments from year 1. Units 1 and 2 are worth 15% of the final A level mark each and Unit 3 is worth 20%. At the end of the second year, Units 4 and 5 are externally examined written papers - worth 15% each and Unit 6 is the final coursework project, worth 20% of the total A level.
What do I need to get on the A/S level?
N.B. This course is not suitable as an introductory IT course.
The course is designed for students who have followed a course in the National Curriculum IT. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office as well as either GCSE IT, at grade C or above, or Key Skills IT Level 2.
What else can I study?
The only restriction, apart from timetable considerations, is that the student cannot be entered for GCSE Computing whilst studying this course. The AS level is normally studied as part of a course of AS/A2 level subjects. However AS ICT could also be studied in conjunction with a GNVQ programme depending on timetabling considerations.
