Welcome to the ICT Resources

Welcome to ICT. You will find this site useful if you are currently studying ICT at GCSE level, or thinking of going on to study ICT at AS or A2 level. You will find revision aids, games and quizzes, links to more GCSE revision sites and further information on taking your study of ICT further.

Why study ICT?
The study of ICT provides an insight into the significance and relevance of computers, applications and communications in the work environment and everyday life. ICT is used in areas as diverse as manufacturing, education and medicine and ICT skills are valued in virtually all areas of business and society.

What could I do next?
ICT is offered by universities either as a subject in its own right or in combination with a wide range of subjects, e.g. IT & Psychology; IT & Business; IT & Multimedia. The advanced skills you will develop will also be valuable in gaining many types of employment.

What is the difference between ICT and Computing?
The practical element of the ICT course involves the use of application software such as spreadsheets and databases whereas Computing involves the use of programming languages such as Visual Basic and Prolog.

ICT theory covers the applications of ICT and its effect on society. Computing theory covers the way computers and programs work.

You need at least a grade C in mathematics to study Computing and need to be more mathematically and logically inclined in order to understand programming.

ICT provides more of a users perspective to technology, whilst Computing is approached from a developers perspective.

What does the study of ICT involve?
Although previous ICT study is not essential, it is a major advantage, especially with the practical work.

Students are given the opportunity to learn advanced features of Excel, Word and Access. The course is presented with a practical bias, although there is a significant theory element, covering aspects such as how ICT is used, the importance and value of information, the impact that ICT has had on society and the legislation relating to ICT. The theory will be the main part of the course covered in the examinations.

The project work requires high skills in problem solving and the ability to accurately analyse situations as you will design and implement a small-scale spreadsheet system for a real end-user. Working independently, you will find your own end-user, discuss their requirements, identify problems with the current system, and design a new system to the specified requirements.