In a world where information and communication technology (ICT) is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather process and manipulate data.
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 understand these new technologies.
This syllabus encourages students to become effective and discerning users of ICT. It helps them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.
At AS Level, candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• the functions and uses of the main hardware and software components of ICT systems, including portable communication systems;
• the ways in which organizations use ICT;
• the impact on society of the use of ICT in the home;
• the stages of the systems life cycle and the methods used within each of these stages;
• ICT and computing terminology.
At A Level, candidates should be able to demonstrate all the knowledge and understanding from AS Level, and extend their knowledge and understanding of:
• the ways in which a wide range of organizations use ICT;
• the impact on society of the use of a wide range of online applications;
• the networking of information-processing systems and the use of online services.
Although the subject content is set out in five curriculum areas, these areas overlap. The five sections should be read as a whole and not as a progression. The five areas are as follows:
1. ICT systems including portable communication devices
2. How organizations use ICT
3. Impact of ICT on society
4. Computer networks
5. Systems life cycle
The five areas are split into seven sections to allow a balance between AS level and Advanced level. The seven sections are as follows:
At AS Level
1. ICT systems including portable communication devices
2. How organizations use ICT – Part 1
3. Impact of ICT on society – Part 1
At A Level
5. How organizations use ICT – Part 2
