ICT GCSE Further Information

Today's students have grown up in the digital age. They have the ‘know how' on using technology, whether they are socialising on Twitter or downloading music from Myspace - it has become second nature to them.

However, how does it all work? How are new ICT solutions developed? What are the risks and benefits of using ICT?

Changes have been made to the AQA specification to give students the skills and practical experience to make ICT engaging and fun.

The content is split into four sections which is assessed in three units

1 Current and emerging technologies

This topic explores technology in a variety of contexts; from computer and mobile technologies to communication and entertainment systems.

2 A range of ICT tools and techniques

The ways in which tools and techniques are used to develop ideas and solve problems.

3 Society's use of ICT

Students will explore legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the use of ICT. Applying issues being discussed in the classroom to real world situations that affect individuals, organisations and society. E.g. Growth of personal websites and social networks.

4 Collaborative working

This is a life skill that students will explore in the context of ICT. Areas covered range from developing an understanding of project management and the advantages of home working, to technologies that aid collaboration such as video conferencing.

The specification content will be assessed in these three units

Unit 1: Systems and Applications in ICT

External Examination
40% of the total GCSE marks

Unit 2: The Assignment: Applying ICT
Controlled Assessment
30% of the total GCSE marks

Unit 3: Practical Problem Solving in ICT
Controlled Assessment
30% of the total GCSE marks

The purpose of Unit 3 is to solve practical problems which they may meet in education, the community or in the workplace.

The results in the last 3 years in this subject were as follows:

100% A*/A in 2007
100% A*/A in 2008
100% A*/A in 2009 (80% A*)

ICT GCSE Further Information

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