EASTER REVISION COURSEGUIDE

A Level Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Aims  

1. Assessment of candidates current knowledge of the
topics covered in the specification.
2. Explanation of all concepts covered in the theory modules of the specification.
3. Application of examination technique to achieve best results.
4. Evaluation of candidates learning.
5. Reporting findings from the initial assessment and Evaluation and recommendations for the best short term action to achieve exam success.

Course Design       

The course is designed to cover topics in the current AS
and A2 specifications, in general, and the AQA Information and Communication Technology specification (specification number: 5521), in particular.

Daily Programme  

Each session starts with a short test on the previous days
work (day 1 excluded).  This is followed by a synopsis of the major topics to be revised that day. Emphasis is placed on the areas that most students find difficult, whilst all members of the group are asked to vocalise any particular queries.

The major theoretical concepts are revised and each session is followed by a series of written questions. Students are encouraged to take notes where appropriate.

At the end of the day, students are given a manageable amount of homework intended to consolidate the theory covered.

Final Session         

Students will be given a past examination question paper to
assess their knowledge and ability to apply the techniques learnt during the week.  The examination paper will be marked and discussed. 
Suggestions will then be given to the group on how best to continue their revision programme leading up to the examination.

Schedule of Work:

AS Level

Module 1: Information: Nature, Role and Context
Day 1 (am)   

Knowledge, Information and Data
Value and Importance of Information
Control of Information
Capabilities and Limitations of Information and
Communication Technology

Day 2 (am)   

The Social Impact of ICT
Role of Communication systems
Information and the professional
Information systems: Malpractice ad Crime
The Legal Framework

Module 2: Information: Management and Manipulation
Day 3 (am)   

Data Capture, Verification and Validation
Organisation of Data for Effective Retrieval
Software: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
Manipulation and/or Processing

Day 4 (am)   

Hardware: Nature, Capabilities and Limitations
Security of Data
Network Environments
Human/Computer Interface

Day 5 (am)   

Examination, Discussion and Report

A2 Level

Module 4: Information management and Manipulation
Day 1 (pm)   

Information systems within organisations
Organisational Structure
Information Systems and Organisation
Corporate Information System Stategy

Day 2 (pm)   

Information and Data
The Management of Change
User support
Project management and effective ICT teams

Module 5: Information: Policy, Strategy and Systems
Day 3 (pm)   

Policy and Strategy Issues
Software
Database management concepts
Communication and Information Systems

Day 4 (pm)   

Networks
Human/Computer Interaction
Software development
Software reliability

Day 5 (pm)    Examination, Discussion and Report.