computing & ICT
AS/A2 Computing AS/A2 ICT BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners (Level 3)
Welcome to the Computing & ICT Department at Carmel College We have courses to suit everyone at AS/A2 including Information & Communication Technology, Computing and the BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners (Level 3). There are approximately 300 students within the department with eight dedicated, wellqualified and enthusiastic members of staff. In addition to your lessons, staff are on hand to help and support you at a number of drop-in sessions throughout the week. As a member of this department you will be expected to have an interest in computing/ICT and you will be encouraged to enhance your theoretical knowledge of ICT and develop your practical skills.
AS/A2 Computing EXAM BOARD: OCR
WHY CHOOSE COMPUTING AT CARMEL?
meet the students LAURA LANG All Saints
Studying: Computing, Sociology, English Language Ever since starting secondary school I have been interested in computers and fascinated by how they work. During the A level Computing course I liked learning how to program solutions to problems using Visual Basic. I particularly enjoyed working independently on the upper sixth coursework project. I found the staff very supportive and approachable. On completion of my A levels I intend to study a degree in Computing with a view to a career in Systems Analysis.
meet the tutors KAY ARROWSMITH Head of Computing
KATHLEEN GAFFEY Head of ICT
LESLEY ATHERTON Head of Vocational ICT (BTEC)
AS/A2 Computing is a traditional course for those interested in following a career in Computer Programming; Systems Analysis; Network Engineering or any other Computer Science related career path. During the course you will gain an in-depth understanding of how the computer works and what it can do. It is suited to those who want to extend perhaps their personal interest in computers, or to develop skills such as programming. The Computing Department promises to provide you with a high standard of teaching and extra support to ensure you are successful. The department wants you to enjoy your studies and be part of its excellent achievements.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? This AS specification encourages students to develop their knowledge and understanding of computer systems, the principles of computing (including programming) and how these are applied to solving problems.
You must be able to work unsupervised during study time on both practical and theory work and be prepared to undertake research. This will help you develop organisation and time management skills.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? AS Unit F451: Computer Fundamentals (Exam) Unit F452: Programming Techniques and Logical Methods (Exam) A2
Unit F453: Advanced Computing Theory (Exam) Unit F454: Computing Project (Coursework)
WHERE DOES THIS COURSE LEAD? Computing courses have progression routes through to equivalent HND and Degree courses. For Computer Science degrees, A Level Maths is also required. Computing appears in a number of joint or related subjects, e.g. Geography and Computing.
Additionally to the AS, the A2 encourages students to gain an understanding of systematic methods used to solve problems. Students develop skills to produce computer-based solutions to real problems.
What support will I receive?
All students receive extra support via individual and group tutorials throughout the academic year as required. Revision classes are scheduled prior to modular examinations in January and June.
What is the department like?
At Carmel College we have 6 dedicated computer suites with wireless internet connection, printing facilities, interactive whiteboards and multi-media projectors. In addition to these we also have a theory classroom.
AS/A2 Information & Communication Technology EXAM BOARD: AQA
WHY CHOOSE ICT AT CARMEL? AS/A2 ICT will give you the opportunity to continue National Curriculum ICT at a higher level or will enable you to further your GCSE ICT study. It looks at the role of computers in everyday life and in the business environment.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Topic 4: Practical Issues involved in managing the use of ICT in organisations. Topic 5: Investigating, analysing and defining requirements. Topic 6: Selecting and using appropriate technologies, designing solutions, methods for testing and installation, documenting and evaluating.
AS ICT Topic 1: Practical use of ICT, identifying, designing, producing, testing, documenting and evaluating solutions. Topic 2: Data entry, storage, output of information, use of software and current health & safety legislation. Topic 3: ICT systems, their components, uses, users, safety and security. Topic 4: Data and information, data transfer, backup and recovery. A2 ICT Topic 1: Developments in technology, information needs of organisations, ICT systems and management of ICT systems. Topic 2: Developing ICT systems and introducing ICT systems into organisations.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? AS ICT Unit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World. You will be assessed in this unit via a single exam lasting 1 hr 30 min. Unit 2: Living in the Digital World. You will be assessed in this unit via a single exam lasting 1 hr 30 min. A2 ICT Unit 3: The use of ICT in the digital world. You will be assessed in this unit via a single exam lasting 2 hours. Unit 4: Coursework - Practical issues involved in the use of ICT in the digital world. You will be assessed via a single piece of coursework detailing the stages of an ICT project.
meet the students DAVE RAWSTHORNE Broadway
Studying: ICT, Business Studies, Computing, History I really like the atmosphere at college. The ICT lessons are really enjoyable because even though we cover lots of information in the lessons, it is more relaxed and I feel I am learning a lot. During the week you get some study periods which means you can get on with coursework and also revise coming up to exams. There’s always help available if you need it too, like extra tutorials. For Enrichment I have taken part in 5-a-side football and Relaxation and Meditation which was a totally new experience for me. When I leave I want to study ICT and Business at university.
Topic 3: Training and supporting users of ICT systems.
What else will I do? As part of the Aim Higher initiative, students take part in workshops on a range of topics such as website development at Hope University, Liverpool.
meet the tutors
How successful are Carmel’s Computing and ICT students?
SUE BYRNE
Summer 2010 Examination Results:
ICT Tutor
ICT Tutor
SANDRA TICKLE ICT Tutor
BARBARA STEVENSON
Computing
GCE Advanced Level
100% Pass Rate
CRAIG FOULKES-JONES
ICT
GCE Advanced Level
100% Pass Rate
Computing / ICT Tutor
EMMA PERCHARD ICT Tutor
National Diploma for IT Practitioners (level 3) EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL
meet the students TOM HARDING St Edmund Arrowsmith, Whiston
Studying: BTEC ICT, Business Studies
WHY CHOOSE BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA FOR IT PRACTITIONERS AT CARMEL? You will complete a total of 18 units over two years leading to a qualification equivalent to 3 A-levels. Grades are awarded on a scale of Pass, Merit, and Distinction. At the end of two years you will achieve 3 grades ranging from PPP – DDD dependant on how many points you have scored per unit of study. The units studied over the two year period will cover elements of ICT, Computing and Business Information.
WHAT WILL I STUDY? I prefer coursework to exams which is why I particularly like this subject and the guidance from the teachers ensures our work is of a high standard. I enjoy studying at Carmel because I have found the teachers to be very helpful and the resources available make studying much easier, like the facilities provided in the ICT rooms and the software that I have been able to use. Carmel has a friendly environment which made settling into college much easier. When I leave I hope to use my qualifications to progress to university and then continue into an ICT related career.
more information You can get a detailed course specification from the exam board websites: For Computing:
www.ocr.org.uk
The units of study will cover 3 distinct strands which include ICT, Computing and Business Information. The course is designed for students who are interested in acquiring an in-depth knowledge of these subject areas. The units are a combination of theory and practical work but all units will require you to use ICT to present your evidence. Each unit studied will have an assignment which will involve you presenting a variety of evidence. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of standard software packages to present your evidence. This may include websites, presentations, reports, brochures/leaflets etc. It is important that you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in ICT/Computing, a willingness to explore new ideas and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly in a variety of styles. You must be motivated to work unsupervised during study time and work hard to develop your portfolio.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED? Student work is evaluated throughout the course by continuous assessment, comprising of assignments and observed practical skills which make up a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio is assessed by tutors then externally verified.
The following Units are studied in the first year: Unit 1: Communication & Employability Skills for IT, Unit 2: Computer Systems, Unit 3: Information Systems, Unit 6: Advanced Spreadsheet skills, Unit 10: Client side Customisation of Web Pages, Unit 11: Data analysis & design (Databases), Unit 18: Principles of Software Design & Development, Unit 24: Digital Graphics and Computers and Unit 34: E-commerce. In the second year you will complete an IT project (worth 2 units) and study a range of units covering things like website production and management, organisational system security, computer animation and in certain cases develop skills gained during the first year with advanced database skills and event driven programming.
WHERE DOES THIS COURSE LEAD? On successful completion of a BTEC National qualification, learners can progress into employment and/or continue their study in the same vocational area at degree level.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between ICT and Computing? Computing students learn how to create software whereas ICT students learn how to use software.
www.aqa.org.uk
What is the difference between ICT and the BTEC National Diploma for IT Practitioners?
For Diploma:
The main difference is that the BTEC is equivalent to 3 ‘A’ Levels whereas ICT is just 1 ‘A’ Level. The BTEC involves more practical work and a portfolio of evidence.
For ICT:
www.edexcel.com Can I study Computing/ICT/BTEC if I have not taken it at GCSE? Yes.