Description
This International A Level Information Technology course will improve your understanding of the digital technologies that are used by individuals and organisations across the world. You will also learn how technologies have developed and how they continue to change.
The qualification enables learners to develop an understanding of how innovations in digital technology, and the increasing levels of connectivity between them, impact the lives of those who use them and the wider society.
The subject will cover topics such as programming, database management, networking, web development, and the impact of IT on society and businesses.
Progression
The IT sector is constantly changing and therefore most careers within this field require excellent problem-solving skills. You may decide to further progress onto a degree at University. There are many companies that run IT graduate programmes including Accenture, Cisco, Fujitsu, British Airways, HSBC and Tesco etc.
Courses that are also taken in conjunction with A Level IT include A Level Computer Science and A Level Mathematics.
Cambridge Specification
Awarding Body: Cambridge
Course Code: 9618
Study Hours: Recommended 300 – 360 hrs
Exams Available: June & November
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)
This A’ Level Computer Science Course will provide you with a general understanding and perspective of the development of computer technology and systems, which will inform your decisions and support your participation in an increasingly technological dependent society.
This course will develop your knowledge and understanding of computer science through entry to higher education and also provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in areas that use computer science.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Information Technology Cambridge course?
The aims of this course are to enable learners to:
- develop a broad range of IT skills
- develop an understanding of the parts, use and applications of IT systems within a range of organisations, including the use of networking technology
- develop an understanding of how IT systems affect society in general
- develop a broad knowledge of the use of IT in workplace situations and the potential risks
- develop an understanding of the system life cycle and apply this understanding to workplace situations
- develop an understanding of project management skills
- be aware of new and emerging technologies
- apply their knowledge and understanding of IT to solve problems.
Key Concepts
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Information Technology are:
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. It 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. They cover the initial development of the system, 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.
Cambridge Information Technology Content Overview
YEAR 1 – IAS
AS Level candidates study topics 1–11.
1 Data processing and information
2 Hardware and software
3 Monitoring and control
4 Algorithms and flowcharts
5 eSecurity
6 The digital divide
7 Expert systems
8 Spreadsheets
9 Modelling
10 Database and file concepts
11 Video and audio editing
YEAR 2 – IA2
A Level candidates study topics 1–11 and topics 12–21.
12 IT in society
13 New and emerging technologies
14 Communications technology
15 Project management
16 System life cycle
17 Data analysis and visualisation
18 Mail merge
19 Graphics creation
20 Animation
21 Programming for the web
Cambridge Assessment
There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Information Technology course with Cambridge
- AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
- Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting. In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4). If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Information Technology.
- Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).
Exam Papers
Paper 1
Theory
1 hour 45 minutes
70 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
Questions will be based on sections 1–11 of the subject content.
Externally assessed 50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level
Paper 2
Practical
2 hours 30 minutes
90 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
Tasks will be based on sections 8–11 of the subject content.
Candidates apply knowledge and understanding from sections 1–7 of the subject content. Externally assessed 50% of the AS Level 25% of the A Level
Paper 3
Advanced Theory
1 hour 45 minutes
70 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
Questions will be based on sections 12–21 of the subject content.
Externally assessed 25% of the A Level
Paper 4
Advanced Practical
2 hours 30 minutes
90 marks
Candidates answer all questions.
Tasks will be based on sections 17–21 of the subject content.
Candidates apply knowledge and understanding of all subject content.
The exam may also include practical tasks from sections 8–10 within a problem-solving context.
Externally assessed 25% of the A Level
Edexcel Specification
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Course Code: YIT11
Study Hours: Recommended 300 – 360 hrs
Exams Available: June
Pearson Edexcel
For the Pearson Edexcel International A Level in Information Technology course, learners will engage with web and database design in a practical, externally-assessed examination.
This allows students discover how to plan and implement an IT project and learn about key areas such as emerging technologies, the online environment and systems analysis and design.
How will I benefit from the International A Level Information Technology Edexcel course?
The aims and objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- competence and confidence in mastering practical skills, such as producing coding for the web and relational databases
- their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.
Key concepts
The key concepts for Edexcel International A Level in Information Technology are:
Structure
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Information Technology and the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Information Technology are modular qualifications. The Advanced Subsidiary can be claimed on completion of the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) units. The International Advanced Level can be claimed on completion of all the units (IAS and IA2 units).
Content
The content is relevant for learners who want to study this subject at a higher level. The qualifications include a variety of topics, including IT systems, coding for the web and relational databases.
Assessment
At International AS Level, assessment consists of two externally assessed written papers. The International A Level consists of two further externally assessed written papers. In each qualification, the second paper requires students to carry out activities using a computer.
Approach
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of information technology by applying the concepts given in this specification to a range of different problems that include a variety of contexts. Students will develop their practical skills, particularly in coding for the web and databases.
Edexcel Information Technology Content Overview
YEAR 1 – IAS
Topic 1: Hardware and software
Topic 2: Networks
- Network models and protocols
- Network design and implementation
- Network security
Topic 3: The online environment
- The internet and the world wide web
- Operating online
- Online communities
- The cloud
Topic 4: IT systems
- Systems design
- Dataflow
- Flowcharts
- Systems
Topic 5: Data and databases
- Data and information
- Structured data
- Structured query language (SQL)
Topic 6: Wider issues
- Environmental
- Legal, moral and ethical
- Society
Topic 7: Understanding the functionality of HTML
- Document structure
- Structural markup
- Page components
Topic 8: Understanding the functionality of CSS
- Writing CSS
- Styling web pages
- Positioning content
- CSS animations
Topic 9: Understanding the functions of JavaScript
- Document Object Model
- Regular expressions
- Programmed functionality
Topic 10: Designing web pages
- Principles of design
- Principles of accessibility
- Principles of usability
Topic 11: The semantic web
YEAR 2 – IA2
Topic 12: Manipulating data
- Data integrity
- Relational databases
- Big Data
Topic 13: Enabling technologies
- Virtualisation
- Distributed systems
- Human computer interaction
- Storing and securing data
- Encryption
Topic 14: Using IT systems in organisations
- Role of IT systems
- Operational issues
Topic 15: Systems development
- Project management
- Waterfall method
- Agile approach
- Diagrams used in system design and development
Topic 16: Emerging technologies
- Machine learning
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Internet of Things
Topic 17: Use of features of database solutions
- Database applications
- User needs
- User experience
Topic 18: Relational database concepts
- Structuring data
- Relational data structures
- Data entry and validation techniques
Topic 19: Database solutions
- Using database software
- User interface
- Evaluation and enhancement
Edexcel Assessment
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Information Technology
This qualification consists of two externally examined units. The International Advanced Subsidiary is the first half of the International Advanced Level qualification and consists of two IAS units: Unit 1 and Unit 2. This qualification may be awarded as a discrete qualification or may contribute 50 percent to the International Advanced Level qualification.
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Information Technology
This qualification consists of four externally examined units. The International Advanced Level consists of the two IAS units (Unit 1 and Unit 2) plus two IA2 units: Units 3 and 4. Students wishing to take the International Advanced Level must, therefore, complete all four units.
Exams Papers
Paper 1
The assessment is 2 hours.
The assessment is out of 80 marks.
Where appropriate, questions will be set in a context.
Learners must answer all questions.
The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response and extended-response questions.
Paper 2
The assessment is 3 hours.
The assessment is out of 80 marks.
Learners will be asked to apply their knowledge of coding for the web in a practical examination.
Paper 3
The assessment is 2 hours.
The assessment is out of 80 marks.
Where appropriate, questions may be set in a context.
Learners must answer all questions.
The paper may include short-open, open-response and extended-writing questions.
Paper 4
The assessment is a 3-hour unseen practical and theoretical examination.
The assessment is out of 80 marks.
The examination will be set in an overall context.
Learners will perform practical tasks using database tools and respond to a series of structured questions to produce a solution to an unseen problem and provide responses which will test their analytical and evaluative skills. All responses will be submitted using a word-processed candidate evidence template.
