Modern students have been immersed in technology since an extremely young age and have developed an incredible array of skills, often skills that have been entirely self-taught. A level ICT aims to fill some of the gaps in both practical and theoretical knowledge that are often left when there has been no formal outline of what is useful information. The course will provide students with a strong set of office application skills, often overlooked in favour of more glamorous or 'fun' applications when self-learning. The course will also cover a wide range of theoretical areas including methods of conveying information, legislation and the impact that IT has had on various levels of society.

What is ICT @ DLD?

ICT at DLD is delivered in an interesting and stimulating style, using a range of innovative web 2.0 resources combined with the best traditional teaching methods to provide an environment that caters for anyone, regardless of their favourite way of learning. Theory content is delivered using a variety of styles from zooming online presentation to egg-boxes and bits of rolled-up paper via tests using voting handsets. The staff are enthusiastic and always up for learning more - can you teach the teacher something new?

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

ICT requires enthusiasm and an interest in new technology. You do not need to be particularly good at using the computer and you do not even need to have a computer at home, although it would help.

Good subject combinations

ICT is a great subject in its own right - it gives you practical skills but also allows you to develop an understanding of the role and impact of ICT in the world. As such, it can really go with any combination of subjects as the transferable skills you will develop will be useful in any career or path of study.

In terms of subjects that go particularly well with ICT, Business Studies is a very popular option as much of the A2 theory involves studying the impact and role of ICT in modern businesses. Sociology and Psychology are interesting combinations, particularly with the increased dependence that we have on computers in our lives and the rate at which artificial intelligence is progressing.

Maths, Economics and the Sciences are good choices to study alongside ICT as the practical skills developed will prove most useful.

After DLD

The practical skills that ICT gives are transferable and of benefit in every walk of life, whether it is helping you manage long word processed documents such as your PhD thesis, using spreadsheets to help create statistical models or starting you on the path to creating a web design company.

ICT does not tie you in to a particular academic area or career path, but gives you the skills to cope with technical barriers that may previously have caused problems. Doctors, lawyers, designers, Architects, film directors, business leaders all need to have a basic understanding of technical issues and technical proficiency and A level ICT will give you that foundation.

Many universities run courses that link IT closely with other subjects such as Business IT or IT Management as well as offering courses that focus just on IT. At the last count UCAS listed over 300 courses involving IT - one of them is bound to be right for you!