6th Form ICT

Overview

In today's world, where ICT is constantly changing, individuals will increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy. The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies. As well as the rapid development of new technologies that gather, organise and share information, familiar technologies like television, telephone and computers are evolving and being expanded by digitised information, causing a convergence of technologies. GCE ICT encourages students to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.

In the first year you’ll study two ‘big picture’ themes. First there’s ‘Practical problem solving’, which introduces you to the various hardware and software technologies used in ICT, and how you can apply them to different applications in real life. The second theme is ‘Living in the digital world’, which gives you a solid grounding in ICT areas like transferring data, backups, and the interface between people and ICT systems. In the second year you’ll build on that strong foundation with another two study themes. In the first theme, ‘The use of ICT in the digital world’, you’ll cover technology developments, how to manage ICT projects, and the use of ICT solutions within organisations.

In the second theme, ‘Practical issues’, you’ll get hands-on experience by conceiving, designing and implementing a real ICT-related system.

The aims of these specifications are to encourage candidates to develop:

  • the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;
  • the skills to work collaboratively;
  • the ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts to solve problems;
  • an understanding of the consequences of using ICT on individuals, organisations and society and of social, legal, ethical and other considerations on the use of ICT;
  • an awareness of emerging technologies and an appreciation of the potential impact these may have on individuals, organisations and society.
Examination boardThe Sixth Form ICT course at Queen Elizabeth’s follows the AQA specification. Full details of the specification and additional support materials can be accessed here.

Unit 1 - Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World

Examination to be taken in Summer of Year 12

In this unit you have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of the development of ICT systems through practical experience in using a range of applications software in a structured way. You will then be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding gained from this practical work to the solution of problems.

Unit 2 - Living in the Digital World

Examination to be taken in Summer of Year 12

You will gain the wider picture of the use of ICT and be able to understand the basic terms and concepts involved in the study of the subject. You will discuss and comment on issues from a position of knowledge and once you have the knowledge and understanding that underpins the subject. You will consider important issues involved in the use of ICT. You will also study the immediate effect on yourself and also the longer term effects on society and the world in general.

Unit 3 - The use of ICT in the Digital World

Examination to be taken in Summer of Year 12

You will look at the fast changing subject of ICT, including developments in technology and ICT system capabilities, and how this might affect the world that makes use of ICT. You will address issues associated with the management of ICT and its use within organisations.

Unit 4 - Coursework: Practical Issues involved in the use of ICT in the Digital World

Internal Assessment

You will complete a substantial project involving the production of an ICT-related system over an extended period of time. In so doing, you will enhance your transferable practical skills.
Course support & enrichment at QEExtensive resources for each unit are available online on the school network in the Learning Resources area.
Progression from A-level ICTThis course has been designed for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of IT would be beneficial.

^ Top

News

Read All

10/12/2008 - Promit is Young Economist of the Year

Year 13 Economist Promit Anwar is the joint winner of The Royal Economic Society’s Young Economist of the Year Competition 2008. Promit (pictured meeting the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall) beat off competition from nearly 400 other entries from as far afield as Singapore to claim the title and £1,000 prize.

More...

08/12/2008 - Education determining their future lives

“As a captain is a director of a whole boat, so reason joined with knowledge, is the guide of life.” Plato

This term saw the first meeting of the Williams Society, Queen Elizabeth’s prestigious new academic society for talented humanities students.

More...

05/12/2008 - The right moves at Millfield

The School chess team, captained by Year 12 pupil Akshaya Ahuja, produced their best-ever performance to finish as runners-up at the Millfield International Chess Tournament.

More...