A-Level Digital Technology
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Examination Board: CCEA
This specification aims to encourage students to:
• develop a genuine interest in digital technology;
• gain an understanding of the system development process;
• gain an awareness of a range of technologies and an appreciation of the potential impact these may have on individuals, organisations and society;
• participate in developing an application while adhering to the system development process;
• develop an understanding of the consequences of using digital technology on individuals, organisations and society, and of social, legal, ethical and other considerations of using digital technology;
• apply their skills to relevant work-related scenarios;
• carry out research and development, and present their findings in different formats;
• develop advanced study skills that help them prepare for third level education;
• demonstrate that they understand and can apply key concepts through challenging internal and external assessments.
It gives students opportunities to progress to career paths leading to professional IT management and the responsible use of IT within industry.
It offers advanced study of modern technology-based systems.
The table below summarises the structure of the AS and A level courses:
Content |
Assessment |
Weightings |
AS 1: Approaches to Systems Development |
External written examination 1 hour 30 mins Students answer short and extended questions based on Approaches to Systems Development. |
50% of AS
20% of A level |
AS 2: Fundamentals of Digital Technology |
External written examination 1 hour 30 mins Students answer short and extended questions based on the Fundamentals of Digital Technology. |
50% of AS
20% of A level |
A2 1: Information Systems |
External written examination 2 hours 30 mins Students answer short and extended questions based on Information Systems. |
40% of A level |
A2 2: Application Development (Case Study) |
Internal assessment Students compile a portfolio showing evidence of the analysis, design, development, testing and evaluation of an application for a specified end user. |
20% of A level |
For more detail on the specification visit the CCEA Digital Technology microsite.