Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency

Last updated: 15 October 2009

Range of qualifications

There are many ICT-related qualifications, including the following general qualifications:

Entry level in ICT
GCSE ICT
GCSE (short course) ICT
GCSE in applied ICT
Diploma in Information Technology
AS level ICT
AS level in applied ICT
A level ICT
A level in applied ICT
AS level computing
A level computing

The qualifications, developed by QCA, provide the broad framework from which awarding bodies create their specifications. Specifications describe the syllabus content, aims, assessment methods, objectives, and how the qualification is graded. Each awarding body offers a slightly different specification, which gives schools and colleges a choice on the qualification that is best for their learners.

The criteria are the broad framework from which exam boards develop their examination specifications.

See Criteria and specifications, at left, for more details.

Entry level in ICT

Entry level courses are suitable for a range of young and adult learners. They represent the first tier of the National Qualifications Framework and measure achievement below GCSE grade G. Entry level certificates in ICT are aimed at those who are new to ICT. They help learners develop their ICT skills in real-world situations and progress to the next level in manageable steps.

Diploma in Information Technology

The Diploma in Information Technology will be available from 2008 in selected parts of the country. The Diploma combines theoretical and practical learning with functional skills in English, mathematics and ICT. A vital part of the learning takes place through work experience.

The Diploma in Information Technology focuses on technology in a business context. At all three levels of the Diploma, learners explore technology and its contribution to organisations, individuals and society. They learn how to deliver projects, create technological solutions to meet business requirements and develop the ability to work effectively in a professional environment.

Diplomas are available at three levels. The level 1 Diploma will appeal to students working at level 1 of the foundation tier. This includes young people for whom GCSEs may not be appropriate. The level 2 Diploma is designed for those who are expected to get grades from A* to C in their GCSEs. Level 3 will appeal to high achievers and provides a clear progression route to higher education.

GCSE ICT

Students taking a GCSE in ICT should be able to:

• apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT to a range of situations
• analyse, design, implement, test, evaluate and document ICT systems for use by others and develop understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT
• reflect critically on the way they and others use ICT
• discuss and review the impact of ICT applications in the wider world
• consider the social, economic, political, legal, ethical and moral issues, as well as security needs for data, surrounding increasing use of ICT.

GCSE (short course) ICT

GCSE short courses count as half a GCSE. Short course students work to the same standard as those studying for a full GCSE, but cover half the material. Learners taking the short course should be able to:

• apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT to a range of situations
• analyse, design, implement and test information and communication systems and
• develop understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT
• reflect critically on the way they and others use ICT
• consider the impact of ICT applications in the wider world
• consider the social, economic, political, legal, ethical and moral issues, as well as security needs for data, surrounding increasing use of ICT.

GCSE in applied ICT

GCSE in applied ICT is designed to provide an introduction to work. It is equal to two GCSEs. The applied GCSE in ICT aims to introduce students to work-related learning and equip them with some of the skills they will need in the workplace or in further education or training in the ICT sector. Students are expected to:

• apply ICT purposefully and effectively in vocational contexts
• work independently to analyse needs and to design, implement, test, evaluate and document information and communication systems for use by others in vocational contexts
• apply knowledge and understanding of the role and significance of ICT systems and methods in business, industry, the public sector and society
• reflect critically on their own use of ICT and on the way other individuals and organisations use ICT, including the social, economic, political, legal, ethical, moral and environmental issues, as well as security needs, for information.

AS level ICT

The AS is a standalone qualification and counts as half a full A level qualification. AS level students work to the same standard as those studying for a full A level, but cover half the material. The AS level in ICT helps students develop as discerning users of ICT. They should be able to select and apply ICT tools and techniques in practical situations to solve problems and make critical judgements about the use of ICT systems. They should also have a knowledge and understanding of the social, economic, legal, moral and ethical consequences of the use of ICT.

AS level in applied ICT

AS and A levels in applied subjects offer a broad introduction to work in a vocational area, such as business, science or ICT. AS levels in applied subjects count as half a full applied A level qualification. AS level students work to the same standard as those studying for a full A level, but cover half the material. The AS level in ICT allows learners to develop an understanding of the ICT sector in a work-related context and provides a progression route to further training, further education or for moving into employment within the ICT sector. Students are expected to:

• demonstrate practical capability in applying ICT
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ICT systems and their roles in organisations and society
• apply knowledge, skills and understanding to produce solutions and solve ICT problems
• evaluate ICT solutions and their own performance.

A level ICT

Students studying ICT at A level develop as discerning users of ICT. They should be able to select and apply ICT tools and techniques in practical situations to solve problems and make critical judgements about the use of ICT systems. They should also have a knowledge and understanding of the social, economic, legal, moral and ethical consequences of the use of ICT.

A level in applied ICT

AS and A levels in applied subjects offer a broad introduction to work in a vocational area, such as business, science or ICT. The A level in applied ICT allows learners to develop an understanding of the ICT sector in a work-related context and provides a progression route to further training, further education or for moving into employment within the ICT sector. Students are expected to:

• demonstrate practical capability in applying ICT
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of ICT systems and their roles in organisations and society
• apply knowledge, skills and understanding to produce solutions and solve ICT problems
• evaluate ICT solutions and their own performance.

AS level computing
The AS is a standalone qualification and counts as half of one full A level qualification. AS level students work to the same standard as those studying for one full A level, but cover half the material. In AS level computing, students learn about computer systems, as well as the principles of computing, and how to solve problems using computers. They develop skills in analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. They also develop their knowledge and understanding of the topics:

• hardware and communications
• software
• applications and effects
• information.

A level computing
In A level computing, students learn about computer systems and the principles of computing, and how to solve problems using computers. They develop skills in analysis, design, implementation and evaluation. They develop their knowledge and understanding of a number of topics including:

• hardware and communications (for example, the characteristics of processors and networks, as well as possible future developments)
• software (for example, systems software, the fundamentals of programming techniques, different types of software and problem solving using computers)
• applications and effects (for example, the purpose and characteristics of a range of computing applications, including the internet, and the consequences of present uses of computing, including economic, social, legal and ethical issues)
• information (for example, the organisation and structuring of data, as well as the methods of capturing, selecting, exchanging and managing data to produce information for a particular purpose).

At A level, students develop further their ability to solve real problems using computer-based solutions. As well, they show understanding of how to use systematic methods, maintain computer systems and develop skills for documenting solutions.

See Computing criteria and performance descriptions.

 

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