I.C.T. Department |
EdExcel GCSE ICT Student GuideHow does it follow on from what I have learned before? What other skills might I develop? What could I do next with GCSE ICT? What is GCSE ICT all about?
How does it follow on from what I have learned before?You should already have a wide range of ICT skills, using a variety of software packages, from your key stage 3 courses. The GCSE course allows you to further develop these skills and provides you with opportunities to explore alternative pieces of software. Will I enjoy this course?You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that:
What about exams?After completing your course you will take one two hour exam paper worth 40% of the marks.The exam paper is divided into three sections. Section A contains a collection of multiple choice answer questions. Sections B and C contain sets of structured questions. Section B comprises of a ‘case study’ - a specific situation involving the use of ICT - that you are told about and prepare for before the exam. What about the coursework?Coursework makes up the remaining 60% of the marks. The advantages of this are that you won’t be judged just on how well you do on one day in the exam and it reduces the pressure around exam time.Your coursework will consist of your solutions to four problems that need to be solved using ICT. One of these will be a database problem ,another will involve spreadsheets and the remaining two may be chosen by you in agreement with your teacher from a range of alternatives .You will produce a report for each of the problems you solve which is marked by your teacher. Since there are four pieces of coursework to produce, you can learn from your mistakes and will have the opportunity to achieve a good overall coursework score. What other skills might I develop?In addition to developing your practical ICT skills your coursework will help you to develop the skills of organising your own time and reviewing your own work and progress. You will discover how to research information from a range of sources and present it in a variety of ways. You will also learn the importance of working and co-operating with other people. These skills are readily ‘transferable’ and will be of value in many of your other subjects, in further education and to future employers. What could I do next with GCSE ICT?A GCSE in ICT opens the door to a whole range of future opportunities. The skills you develop will support you in your future studies and employment .A good grade at GCSE ICT will help you move on to any AS, A level or vocational A level course. If you enjoyed your GCSE course, you might want to move on to the specialist AS,or A level courses in ICT or Computing. Alternatively, you may wish to consider GNVQs at Intermediate level, or more voca t iona l l y - related course like a BTEC First or National Aw a rd .Your well developed ICT skills will be highly valued and sought after in all areas of employment. Further copies of this publication are available from Edexcel Publications, For more information on Edexcel qualifications please contact our Customer
Response Centre on 0870 240 9800 Edexcel Foundation is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee; registered in England no. 1686164
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