Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls

Head of Department: Mrs Deborah Jones (Head of Department)
ICT Teacher: Mrs Heather Bendle (Head of Key Stage 4)
Network Manager: Mr James Drinkwater
ICT Technician: Mr Nathan Flannery

Specification Summary
The world is increasingly dominated by the use of Information and Communications Technology. Many aspects of our daily lives rely on ICT on a practical level. This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of ICT, providing a foundation from which to extend your knowledge of this growing area. Through the course you will develop your understanding of the principles of problem solving using ICT. You will learn about the range of ICT applications and the effects of their use. The course aims for you to be able to apply this knowledge and understanding when developing ICT solutions to problems.

Prior Level of Attainment
No prior knowledge of ICT is assumed for the AS level.

	To get a certificate for Advanced Subsidiary GCE, you will need to have studied for and been assessed on your performance in three AS units.
	To get a certificate for Advanced GCE, you will need to have studied for and been assessed on your performance in three AS units, together with three A2 units.

Links to Careers, Employment and Higher Education
A qualification in ICT combines well with many subjects, including those that would benefit from an ability to obtain, manipulate, present and communicate information. It also goes well with subjects that contain analytical, scientific and technological aspects. With a qualification in ICT you could go on to Higher Education or work in one of the many vocational areas emerging to reflect the importance of information technology in the modern world.

Aims of this course
The aims of this course are to encourage students 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

Course Content Summary - Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The new syllabus for AS ICT is made up of two mandatory units. There is a large theory module which will be covered throughout the first year and until Christmas in Year 11. Students will sit their examination for this module in the January of year 11. This is to relieve the pressure on them during the Summer examination period and to provide the option of retaking the examination if required. The examination is worth 60% of the overall AS grade.

Students will begin working on the coursework module for their AS at the start of Year 11. The coursework must be completed by Easter and is worth 40% of the overall AS grade.

During the AS course students will study:

Unit	Name	Mode of Assessment	AS weighting
GO61	Information, Systems and Applications	Examination	60%
GO62	Structured ICT Tasks	Coursework	40%

Unit GO61 topics covered:

During the A2 course students will study:

Unit	Name	Mode of Assessment	AS weighting
GO63	ICT Systems, Applications and Implications	Examination	60%
GO64	ICT Project	Coursework	40%

Unit GO63 topics covered: