A LEVEL – DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
A Level – Digital Technology
At Post-16 level, students opting to continue with formal ICT currently follow CCEA’s Specification for AS Digital Technology (commenced Sept 2016)
AS Digital Technology
At AS level pupils will learn about the ways in which computer systems can be developed as well as studying the essential digital technology concepts involved.
Pupils will complete two AS units, each with a written exam.
These contribute overall to 40% of the A level award.
At A2 level pupils will complete two additional units, one with a written exam, the other involving coursework.
These contribute to 60%of the A level award.
For the written exam pupils will study computerised information systems in detail. In the coursework unit pupils will have the opportunity to apply the digital technology knowledge and skills that you have acquired to develop and implement a computerised information system.
What will I study?
| Unit | Areas of Study |
| AS 1 Approaches to System Development | In this unit pupils will learn about:
the system development process with particular focus on the analysis, design and implementation stages; alternative development approaches, which will be compared; software projects; security issues; and programming concepts. |
| AS 2
Fundamentals of Digital Technology |
In this unit pupils will learn about:
data representation; data and information; computer architecture; hardware and software components; processing systems; and web technology and multimedia. |
| A2 1
Information Systems |
In this unit pupils will learn about:
networks; databases; expert systems; applications of digital technology; mobile technologies; cloud computing; and individual, social and legal considerations. |
| A2 2
Application Development |
In this unit, pupils will complete a detailed project. The project brief will be provided annually by CCEA. You will identify and research a realistic problem. Pupils will then design a solution, implement and test your solution, and document and evaluate their solution. |
How will pupils be assessed?
| Unit | Assessment Description | Weighting |
| AS 1
Approaches to System Development |
1 hour 30 minute external examination paper | 50% of AS
20% of A level |
| AS 2 Fundamentals of Digital Technology | 1 hour 30 minute external examination paper | 50% of AS
20% of A level |
| A2 1 Information Systems | 2 hour 30 minute external examination paper | 40% of A level |
| A2 2 Application Development | Internal assessment of a project | 20% of A level |
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