GCSE`S courses

GCSE - ICT

Duration: Normal daytime attendance.
See current timetable for sessions.

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.

The successful completion of a course of study leading to GCSE Information and Communication Technology (Short Course) will provide a suitable basis for continuation into study for a full GCSE in Information and Communication Technology. Alternatively progression could be to another ICT qualification within the National Qualification Framework at an equivalent level. The successful completion of a course of study leading to GCSE Information and Communication Technology (Full Course) will provide a suitable basis for higher studies at AS or A level in Information and Communications Technology or in a related discipline.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who are taking courses leading to Information and Communication Technology GCSE should normally have followed the National Curriculum Key Stage 3 programme of study for Information and Communication Technology.

Candidates entering this course should have achieved a general educational level equivalent to National Curriculum Level 3, or a distinction at Entry Level within the National Qualifications Framework.

What you learn

You will learn about computer systems, communications technology and information management. You will learn the practical skills and understanding relating to the use of ICT applications. You will also learn to develop your ICT skills to help in the learning process and to solve problems. The coursework element centres on developing the higher level skills associated with Microsoft Office, especially MS Excel and Access although other applications may be used.

The GCSE specification covers two units.

Unit 5.1

Computer systems, communications technology and information management

Computer systems: components and types of system
Input and output devices
Storage devices and media
Introductory communications
Data: types and terminology
Information management and effects of IT: legal issues, implications, health and safety

Unit 5.2

Practical skills and understanding relating to the use of ICT applications

Word processing, desk-top publishing and other presentation software
Graphics production and image manipulation
Spreadsheets, modelling and databases
Data logging and control software
Systems tasks and software

Unit 5.3

ICT applications, systems, networks and computer technology

Computer Technology
Legal, Economic and Political Issues Relating to the Use of ICT
Information Systems and Applications
Networks (Wide and Local Area Networks)

Unit 5.4

Problem solving using ICT

Analysis
Design
Development, Testing and Implementation
Documentation
Evaluation

What next?

Progression to further study from GCSE will depend upon the number and nature of the grades achieved. Broadly, candidates who are awarded mainly grades G to D at GCSE could either strengthen their base through further study of qualifications at Foundation Level within the National Qualifications Framework or could proceed to Intermediate level. Candidates who are awarded mainly grades C to A* at GCSE would be well prepared for study at Advanced Level within the National Qualifications Framework

How is the course assessed?

There are two written papers and two pieces of coursework. One question paper will test knowledge and understanding of Computer systems, communications technology and information management (Module 1) and the theoretical aspects of Module 2. The second paper will test knowledge and understanding of ICT applications, systems, networks and computer technology (Module 3) and the theoretical aspects of Module 4.

Which campus?

Nuns Corner.