AVCE ICT - 6th Form Prospectus Entry

What is the course about?

This course is the study of how ICT can enhance a business’ operations. It looks at how information is presented, the channels of communication within organisations and the manipulation of data. This is a practical course that helps students develop a wide range of skills with computers and an understanding of how they can be used to improve productivity. As such the course sits well alongside a business course.

What is the course content?

The ASVCE (in year 12) consists of 3 units:

Unit 1: Presenting Information – the design & creation of business documents
Unit 2: ICT Serving Organisations – how businesses can make best use of ICT
Unit 3: Spreadsheet Design – the design and creation of spreadsheets to help process numerical work

The AVCE Single Award (continued into year 13) consists of a further 3 units:

Unit 6: Database Design – the design and creation of relational databases to store and manage information
Unit 7: Internet Services & Web Page Design – the design and creation of multi-page websites using industry-standard applications
Unit 17: Interactive Multimedia Products – Using animation to create user-friendly interfaces
(NB Different year 13 units may be taught in future years.)

How is the course assessed?

Units 1 and 3 are assessed on the basis of coursework produced by the student. Unit 2 is an external exam at the end of the first year. Each unit has equal weighting and is one third of the part award.

Units 6, 17 and 17 are all assessed via coursework. There is no examination in year 13.

If a student leaves at the end of year 12, the three units taken will be equivalent to an AS-level. This is known as the ‘part award AVCE’ or the ASVCE.
The six units taken by the end of year 13 will have the same UCAS points as an A2-level. This is known as the ‘single award AVCE’
We do not currently offer the twelve unit ‘full/double award AVCE.’

How is the course taught?

This is a very practical course and students are encouraged to experiment with major applications packages to achieve their goals. Students are guided through the theory of the work being done, shown how to use software tools and then set an assignment that they will then tackle.

What are the entry requirements?

Students must have enough points at GCSE to come into the 6th form. Beyond that, there are no specific requirements. There is no need to have a GCSE in ICT although students must be confident and enthusiastic computer users.

Students do not need a computer at home although it would be a definite advantage. We use Microsoft Office 2000 Professional and Macromedia Studio MX.

Who is the course likely to suit?

An AVCE (Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education) is suited to students who prefer coursework to examinations. Five sixths of the course is assessed on the basis of work done throughout the year. The course is a practical one, students develop skills and use them to carry out tasks. They then produce projects that document their work and evaluate it. There is a strong element of business and management in this course and the main focus is on how technology can meet the needs of organisations and their customers.

In what career direction could the course lead me?

As almost every career path has opportunities to use ICT, the course would suit anyone looking to become more fluent with computers. Careers specifically in ICT include web design, animation, data analysis, network management, system design and technical support.