AS/A2 GCE ICT (OCR/LEVEL 3)
Course Overview
The AS/A2 qaulification offers a more academic approach to learning with students undertaking a mix of practical coursework and theory examinations. The Advanced GCE is made up of two mandatory units at AS and two further units at A2. In both years, one unit is an externally assessed exam, and the other is practical in nature and is internally assessed through controlled assessment.
AS Units
Unit 1: Information Systems & Applications
This unit looks at how information systems and software applications are used from a theoretical perspective. Students will look at a range of topics including hardware and software, spreadsheet concepts, relational database concepts, presentation and communication software and the impact of ICT.
Unit 2: Structured ICT Tasks
This unit applies the various IT skills taught to a practical scenario. Students are set a series of examined tasks that they must use the knowledge and skills to complete. The unit requires students to design, develop, test and document each task in a controlled environment.
A2 Units
Unit 3: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
The unit builds upon similar knowledge and understanding gained in Unit 1 and but also requires students to learn about the systems life cycle, designing & creating information systems and computer networks. The examination of the unit stretches and challenges learners in requiring more analytical and complex understanding.
Unit 4: ICT Project
The unit completes learners GCE IT experience by testing all the practical skills gained over the two years. Students are required to undertake a major project demonstrating their ability to investigate and analyse a current system and then design, develop, test, install, document and evaluate a new system.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE A*-C including English and Mathematics together with at least a C grade in GCSE ICT or a Merit on the OCR Nationals.
Course Duration
1 – 2 Years
Assessment Method
Assessment in each year is split between an exam and a formally assessed practical project. In Year 12 the exam counts towards 60% of the final AS grade and the project 40%; with the total AS marks counting towards 50% of the final A2 grade. In Year 13 the exam counts towards 30% of the final A2 grade and the project 20%.
Examination Details
Year 12
AS Unit 1: Information Systems & Applications - Student will take this exam in the June series.
AS Unit 2: Structured ICT Tasks - Students will complete these on an ongoing basis over the year redy for a May submission date
Year 13
A2 Unit 3: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications - Student will take this exam in the January with the option to re-sit in June
AS Unit 2: ICT Project - Students will complete these on an ongoing basis over the year redy for a May submission date
Extension Activities and where to find them
All students should be able to access the lesson resources and other relevant materials which are placed on the P: Drive.
Where to get extra support
Teaching staff are always available to provide extra support and guidance. A significant bank or resources and templates are available to all students in the P: Drive.
Catch Up Classes
Catch up classes run periodically through the year and provide learners with a hugely valuable opportunity to receive extra one-to-one support and complete outstanding work. These are advertised throughout the year.
Links and Resources
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/ict_tec/ict/
www.examquest.co.uk/sec/pinfo.asp?ver=12&pid=RA_ICT
Reading Lists
OCR Information and Communication Technology for AS Revision Guide ISBN 9781444110937
OCR Information and Communication Technology for A2 Revision Guide ISBN 9781444111231
OCR ICT for AS ISBN: 9780340958285
OCR ICT for A2 ISBN: 9780340966518
The AS/A2 qaulification offers a more academic approach to learning with students undertaking a mix of practical coursework and theory examinations. The Advanced GCE is made up of two mandatory units at AS and two further units at A2. In both years, one unit is an externally assessed exam, and the other is practical in nature and is internally assessed through controlled assessment.
AS Units
Unit 1: Information Systems & Applications
This unit looks at how information systems and software applications are used from a theoretical perspective. Students will look at a range of topics including hardware and software, spreadsheet concepts, relational database concepts, presentation and communication software and the impact of ICT.
Unit 2: Structured ICT Tasks
This unit applies the various IT skills taught to a practical scenario. Students are set a series of examined tasks that they must use the knowledge and skills to complete. The unit requires students to design, develop, test and document each task in a controlled environment.
A2 Units
Unit 3: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
The unit builds upon similar knowledge and understanding gained in Unit 1 and but also requires students to learn about the systems life cycle, designing & creating information systems and computer networks. The examination of the unit stretches and challenges learners in requiring more analytical and complex understanding.
Unit 4: ICT Project
The unit completes learners GCE IT experience by testing all the practical skills gained over the two years. Students are required to undertake a major project demonstrating their ability to investigate and analyse a current system and then design, develop, test, install, document and evaluate a new system.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSE A*-C including English and Mathematics together with at least a C grade in GCSE ICT or a Merit on the OCR Nationals.
Course Duration
1 – 2 Years
Assessment Method
Assessment in each year is split between an exam and a formally assessed practical project. In Year 12 the exam counts towards 60% of the final AS grade and the project 40%; with the total AS marks counting towards 50% of the final A2 grade. In Year 13 the exam counts towards 30% of the final A2 grade and the project 20%.
Examination Details
Year 12
AS Unit 1: Information Systems & Applications - Student will take this exam in the June series.
AS Unit 2: Structured ICT Tasks - Students will complete these on an ongoing basis over the year redy for a May submission date
Year 13
A2 Unit 3: ICT Systems, Applications and Implications - Student will take this exam in the January with the option to re-sit in June
AS Unit 2: ICT Project - Students will complete these on an ongoing basis over the year redy for a May submission date
Extension Activities and where to find them
All students should be able to access the lesson resources and other relevant materials which are placed on the P: Drive.
Where to get extra support
Teaching staff are always available to provide extra support and guidance. A significant bank or resources and templates are available to all students in the P: Drive.
Catch Up Classes
Catch up classes run periodically through the year and provide learners with a hugely valuable opportunity to receive extra one-to-one support and complete outstanding work. These are advertised throughout the year.
Links and Resources
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/ict_tec/ict/
www.examquest.co.uk/sec/pinfo.asp?ver=12&pid=RA_ICT
Reading Lists
OCR Information and Communication Technology for AS Revision Guide ISBN 9781444110937
OCR Information and Communication Technology for A2 Revision Guide ISBN 9781444111231
OCR ICT for AS ISBN: 9780340958285
OCR ICT for A2 ISBN: 9780340966518