A Level Information Communication Technology AQA (2520) This exciting new specification brings the study of ICT up to date for the 21st century. It has the backing of a range of industries, higher education and the National Computing Centre. In the first year you will study two ‘big picture’ themes. First there is ‘Practical problem solving’, which introduces you to the various hardware and software technologies used in ICT, and how you can apply them to different applications in real life. The second theme is ‘Living in the digital world’, which gives you a solid grounding in ICT areas like transferring data, backups and the interface between people and ICT systems. In the second year you will build on that strong foundation with another two study themes. In the first theme, ‘The use of ICT in the digital world’, you will cover technology developments, how to manage ICT projects, and the use of ICT solutions within organisations. In the second theme, ‘Practical issues’, you will get hands-on experience by conceiving, designing and implementing a real ICT-related system. Topics assessed through exam are listed below: Health and safety in relation to the use of ICT systems Analysis, design, implementation, testing and evaluation of ICT related solutions Selection and use of input, output and storage requirements, media and devices Selection and use of appropriate software An ICT system and its components Data and Information People and ICT systems Transfer of data in ICT systems Safety and security of ICT systems Procedures for backup and recovery Uses of ICT systems Factors and consequences of ICT Information Systems Management and strategies Policies and Legislation Developing ICT solutions Systems development tools and techniques Introducing large scale systems Training and supporting users External and internal resources Future developments Where will success take me? ICT is one of those great subjects that lets you maximise on your own strengths. This subject has been developed for students who wish to progress to higher education or to the world of work, where understanding how ICT can be used in society and organisations, and the implications of its use, will be a valuable asset. If you turn out to have a really technical interest in ICT, you could work for a bank or corporation helping to design systems which transfer information from a database to a terminal. But if you are more interested in the user interface, you could work in advertising or for a handset manufacturer. Information is everywhere, so ICT is a sound career move. You will need to have a strong interest in the new development of ICT technologies. You should be someone who enjoys writing and discussing about ICT technologies.