Introduction into Key Stage 5 ICT
This qualification encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of ICT. It helps them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of ICT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of ICT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of ICT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of ICT.
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Information Technology are:
Impact of IT
The application of technology to process information impacts all aspects of our lives. The enormity of the impact can be seen in industry and commerce, transport, leisure, medicine, in the workplace and the home. Communications using technologies have made the world seem smaller.
Hardware and Software
Hardware and software interact with each other in an IT system. It is important to understand how these work, and how they work together with each other and with us in our environment.
Networks
Computer systems can be connected together to form networks allowing them to share data and resources. The central role networks play in the internet, mobile and wireless applications and cloud computing has rapidly increased the demand for network capacity and performance.
The Internet
The internet is a global communications network that uses standardised communications protocols to allow computers worldwide to connect and share information in many different forms. The impact of the internet on our lives is profound. While the services the internet supports can provide huge benefits to society they have also introduced issues, for example security of data.
System Life Cycle
Information systems are developed within a planned cycle of stages that cover the initial development of the system and continue through to its scheduled updating or redevelopment.
New Technologies
As the information industry changes so rapidly, it is important to keep track of new and emerging technologies and consider how they might affect everyday life.
Key Stage 5 ICT Units of Study
Term | Year 12 | Year 13 |
1 | Video and Sound Editing Expert Systems Networking | Emerging Technologies Project Management Graphic Design |
2 | Spreadsheets Multimedia The Digital Divide | Animation ICT and Society Computer Hardware |
3 | E Safety and Security Systems Life Cycle Monitoring and Control | E Business Programming E Safety |
Assessment Information for Key Stage 5 ICT
Paper 1 – Written assessment on Theory (25% - 1 Hour 45 Minutes)
Paper 2 – Computer based practical assessment (25% - 2 Hours 30 minutes)
Paper 3 – Written assessment on Theory (25% - 1 Hour 45 Minutes)
Paper 4 – Computer based practical assessment (25% - 2 Hours 30 minutes)
Useful links for Key Stage 5 ICT
Animation Software: https://www.blender.org
Coding in HTML, CSS and JavaScript: https://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp
Explaining Computers: https://www.youtube.com/user/explainingcomputers
Graphic Design Software: https://www.photopea.com
How Stuff Works: https://computer.howstuffworks.com
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science