ICT (OCR)

AS Course Outline

What is ICT?

ICT Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems now dominate our everyday lives. Students will look at how ICT systems convey, store and manipulate data, and how they process data. ICT will help students carry out complicated practical investigations using a wide range of software and hardware, building on existing skills.

Students will learn the fundamental principles and workings of modern-day ICT systems. They will learn to understand the role and impact of ICT systems, while also learning the components of ICT systems, and how to use ICT effectively.

There is a very large coursework element in AS ICT. Students will be required to undertake a variety of tasks, ranging from designing part of a system to producing user documentation, in order to meet set criteria. These elements will be undertaken independently of one-another, and will combine to allow completion of the structured tasks, as required.

What Skills Will You Develop Studying ICT?

  • ICT students will develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.
  • ICT encourages students to think creatively, analytically, logically, and critically, while applying skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT to a range of contexts to solve problems.
  • ICT students will understand the consequences of using ICT for individuals, organisations and society, and become aware of emerging technologies and the impact they will have on ourselves and the world around us.

ICT (OCR) AS Specification

Unit One Coursework
40% of AS Exam

Structured ICT Tasks

This unit is designed to develop practical aspects of the subject in a way that is not possible when leading to a formal written examination. The tasks are intended to be structured in nature, covering practical aspects of ICT that cannot easily be tested in an examination environment. The following skills are developed:

  • Design
  • Software development
  • Testing
  • Documentation

Unit Two 120 minutes examination
60% of AS Exam

Information, Systems and Applications

This unit covers the fundamental knowledge required to support all subsequent units of study. It is intended to provide candidates with a deeper understanding and knowledge of basic concepts of ICT. The following will be studied:

  • Data, information, knowledge and processing
  • Software and hardware components of an information system
  • Characteristics of standard applications software and application areas
  • Spreadsheet concepts
  • Relational database concepts
  • Applications software used for presentation and communication of data
  • The role and impact of ICT: legal, moral and social issues

Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 6 lessons per week. Homework will be set weekly and deadlines must be adhered to. Reading of textbooks is essential.

Recommended Reading
OCR ICT for AS (Student Edition) Paul Long, Glen Milbery, Sonia Stuart

Fees and Dates