ICT - A Level
The course is designed to give you experience of the practical aspects of Computing and Information Technology. We begin by looking at the fundamentals of computers, building a solid foundation that will be used to develop the practical skills necessary to use computers constructively in the real world. Throughout the course we will be concerned with looking at computers in the work place, and the ways in which computers can be used as labour saving devices.
The syllabus is wide ranging in scope: as well as the ‘hands on’ approach to information technology we will also be consider theoretical issues and concerns, and consider the impact that legislation has had on the use of computers in industry.
What will I study in ICT?
AS Units 1 and 2
Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World: We will consider the practical aspects of solving real life ICT problems and acquire the skills and techniques used by ICT professionals to deliver working solutions within deadlines and to budget.
Living in the Digital World: In a world increasingly dominated by technology, you will consider questions such as why is ICT being used in so many applications, is the use of ICT always appropriate, and is the ICT solution an effective one?
A2 Units 3 and 4
Use of ICT in the Digital World: In the A2 course you will study ICT in a business context. Why do organisations introduce new systems and how do they go about managing the change? A wide array of different types and sizes of business and ICT applications and solutions are considered.
Coursework: How can we solve an ICT problem that an organisation might encounter? You will produce a documented solution to this issue. The best projects always have two things in common: the first is a real end user (someone who can give informed feedback on the usefulness of the solution); the second is to focus on a project area that you are really interested in.
How will I be assessed?
The first three units are assessed through short answer and structured question papers. The last unit is assessed by Lansdowne and then external moderated on the basis of the written report that a student produces while solving their end users problem.
Do I need to have Studied ICT before?
No, there is no need to have taken ICT before although some practical experience of ICT would be advantageous.
Who will teach me?
Mohammad Arif completed a Bachelors degree in Computer Science at the Institute of Leadership and Management in Lahore and an MSc in Business Information Technology at Middlesex University, London. He worked in the IT industry in Saudi Arabia for five years and has been teaching ICT in schools in the UK for the past four years where he has applied his practical knowledge and enthusiastic approach to help his students achieve very good exam results.
Jem Barton-Hanson read Law at Queens' College Cambridge, joining Lansdowne in 1993 while taking bar examinations. Since 1993 he has taught a combination of Law, Information Technology and Computing. Jem is also the College’s Director of eLearning.
Which subjects complement ICT?
Information and Communication Technology covers a wide range of skills that are as useful to humanities students as they are to scientists. Although the majority of ICT students will be following science based A Levels, students will also find ICT skills useful in social science and arts based subjects.
Which careers can ICT lead to?
The skills acquired during the course are increasingly important in the modern world. Students may go on to study for a Technology degree at University and move into this area of industry. Others will be able to apply what they have learned in a very wide range of careers.