A-LEVEL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - AQA

Introduction

An exciting new specification for AS/A2 which brings the study of ICT up to date for the 21 st Century. It has wide opportunities within industry and higher education.

This specification allows for more practical tasks using a wide range of software and hardware. It allows for students to become more engaged in their studies, provides greater opportunities for effective personalized learning and build on existing ICT skills.

The specification is divided into a total of 4 units; AS units and A2 units. It encourages students to become discerning learners of ICT, developing a broad range of ICT skills and knowledge and understanding of ICT.

Assessment Framework

Unit One : Information Systems

Examination : 2 hours 15 min – weighting 60% of AS mark/30% of A level

Unit Two : Presenting Information

Practical skills – weighting 40% of AS mark/20% of A Level

Unit Three : Use and Impact of ICT

Examination: 2 hours 30mins – 30% 0f A2

Unit Four : Relational Databases

Practical skills – 20% of total A Level marks

Description of Teaching and Learning

Unit One : Consists of two section. Section A acquiring knowledge and understanding of Information Systems and Section B a practical element which requires students to use appropriate hardware and software to solve a realistic problem. This solution is used to support work in the written exam.

Unit Two: A practical unit allowing students to use a variety of hardware and software to solve a problem involving three separate tasks. Examples such as leaflets, mail merge and presentations at an advanced level.

Unit Three: This unit is about the use and impact of ICT and our data, the legal issues surrounding data and the policies which need to be in place to keep our data secure.

Unit Four: A substantial project giving students the opportunity to develop a realistic system. Students will discover how structured databases can be used in an organisation, understand data types, how data is captured and validated.

Links to Future Careers

Electronic Engineering; Database Controller; Website Designer; DTP Operator; Information Scientist; Helpdesk Operator; Network Manager.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

H Monney : Human Resource Management

C Donnelly : Human Resource Management

Additional Information

Please see Mrs Jones or Mrs Smith.