ICT

In modern times it is common knowledge that ICT is an embedded feature of nearly all of society in general. It is the backbone of many areas of employment. A qualification in ICT is not only desirable, it is essential.

GCSE

The general aims of the AQA GCSE in ICT are to encourage candidates to:

  • Choose, use and design information and communication systems to carry out a range of tasks and to solve problems, making effective use of appropriate principles and techniques;
  • Develop a broad and balanced experience of the range of information and communication systems and their applications and an understanding of their capabilities and limitations.

Pupils will follow a two-year course and can be entered for either the Higher Tier or the Foundation Tier. The Higher Tier allows grades from A* to D and the Foundation Tier allows grades from C to G. There is a very good track record of results in this subject over the past ten years.

GCSE ICT is available as a short course or a full course. The short course is still marked according to the usual A*-G marking system but does not include the Individual Project element of the coursework nor the second of two examination papers.

Coursework

The coursework consists of a Board-Set Assignment based on a given theme for both short and full courses, with the addition of an Individual Project based on a chosen theme, for the full course. For both courses, the coursework element forms 60% of the final mark.

Examination(s)

Usually in June of the final year, the pupil will take an examination paper (or two for the full course). The examination element forms 40% of the final mark.

Entry Level

This is a one/two year course which leads to the AQA Entry Level Certificate in ICT. The general aims are to:

  • Develop the competence of candidates through the use of Information and Communication Technology in reasoned ways to solve simple problems using appropriate techniques and equipment;
  • Develop the capability of candidates through the practical development of their own ICT systems for a variety of appropriate purposes;
  • Encourage candidates to gather, store, process and present information through activities in a range of contexts. It will also give candidates opportunities to design and implement ICT systems and develop a basic understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT, with particular reference to the world of work.

Unit Award Scheme

The Unit Award Scheme is based largely on the units available within the Entry Level Certificate course, with adaptation and simplification for the less able student. When an individual unit is successfully completed, a certificate of achievement will be issued by AQA.

Coursework
This consists of:

  • One externally-assessed compulsory unit (Word Processing),
  • One externally-assessed core unit (chosen from Using a Database, Using control Language Software, and Using a Spreadsheet),
  • Two optional units taken from remaining core units or from the following:
    Data, Information and Information Systems
    Using Presentation Software
    Using the Internet
    Using Graphics Software
    Using Digital Imaging Software and Hardware
    Using Electronic Communications
    Information and Communications Technology and its Effects on Society
    Using Music Software

ECDL (European Computer Driving License)
This course is available to GCSE students who demonstrate a required standard of ability and level of interest, as well as the ability to handle an extra course alongside the existing GCSE. It is also available as an alternative course for certain pupils who stay for year 13, or as an alternative to the Entry Level Certificate.

The ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification in basic skills ICT. It is designed to establish “standards for everyone in either a professional or a personal capacity. It is a certificate that verifies your competence, declares your computer skills, and makes you readily mobile within British business and across the Community. European employers and job seekers all agree on the need for this standard definition of practical competence in ICT.”

The ECDL builds around a distinctive log book. This book records the skills you demonstrate in each of seven computer-related modules. As you pass each odule
successfully, the corresponding skill is noted in your book.

The final achievement of a full book leads to the award of your license. The modules are:

  • Basic Concepts of ICT
  • Using a Computer and Managing Files
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheets
  • Databases/Filing Systems
  • Presentation and Drawing
  • Information Network Services

St. Vincent’s School is an authorized Test Centre for the ECDL.

BTEC
Post-16 provision in ICT (for those students who are not enrolled in the ECDL) consists of two units for the Edexcel Entry Level BTEC Certificate in Skills for Working Life:
Unit 2500T: Computers
Unit 2427T: Information Technology