Edexcel ICT - Course Structure

Key Subject Aims:

The GCSE in ICT (Single Award) qualification enables students to:

• become independent and discerning users of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its use and aware of its implications for individuals, organisations and society
• acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts 
• develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems 
• develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and their social and commercial impact 
• develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues raised by ICT
• recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice
• develop the skills to work collaboratively
• evaluate ICT-based solutions.

Unit 1: Living in a Digital World:

• Topic 1. Personal digital devices
• Topic 2. Connectivity
• Topic 3. Operating online
• Topic 4. Online goods and services
• Topic 5. Online communities
• Topic 6. Issues

Assessment summary:

• This unit represents 40% of the total assessment weighting of the GCSE in ICT qualification.
• It is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked by Edexcel.

Unit 2: Using Digital Tools:

• Topic 1. Research and information gathering
• Topic 2. Modelling
• Topic 3. Digital publishing
• Topic 4. Evaluating outcomes
• Topic 5. Working efficiently and safely

Assessment summary:

• This unit represents 60% of the total assessment weighting of the GCSE in ICT qualification.
• It is internally assessed under controlled conditions.
• Centres should allocate 40 hours of informal supervised time for students to work on the controlled assessment.
• Marking of the task is carried out by teachers and moderated by Edexcel against set assessment criteria.
• The total number of marks available for the controlled assessment task is 80.

Computing National Curriculum?

The 2014 national curriculum programme of study for Computing stipulates that all pupils in Key Stage 4 should have the opportunity to study aspects of information technology and computer science at sufficient depth to allow them to progress to higher levels of study or to a professional career.

Pupils may also choose to take a qualification in a computing subject, although the national curriculum does not oblige them to do so. Appropriate Key Stage 4 qualifications include GCSE Computer Science and GCSE ICT, both of which enable pupils to progress to further study or a professional career.

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