Certificate in Digital Applications - ICT

(Option Subject)

Exam Board: Edexel

The ICT qualification available in 2008 is the EDEXCEL DIDA suite. The course is the first of the Level 1 & 2 qualifications designed to replace GNVQ and as an alternative to GCSE.

The course is based on units with each unit being equivalent to 1 GCSE. Grades are described differently but covers the full GCSE equivalent of A* to G.

The specification currently has four units to offer:

  • D201: Using ICT (Compulsory)
  • D202: Multimedia                                     
  • D203: Graphics                                    
  • D204: ICT and Enterprise

The Blue pathway course will be at level 2 (equal to grades A* - C), the intention being to achieve 1 unit for all students.

 

There may be potential for a second unit (from those shown below) for some students who prove themselves capable of completing 2 full units in single GCSE teaching time.          

The second unit is likely to be Unit 3 – Graphics.

Unit 1: Using ICT

  • Using information sources
  • Working with information
  • Presenting information
  • Print and digital publishing
  • Creating an e-portfolio
  • Project planning, monitoring and evaluation

CORE COMPULSORY UNIT

Unit 2: Multimedia

  • Investigating multimedia products
  • Designing and developing multimedia products (PowerPoint & Websites)
  • Prototyping and testing
  • Presenting multimedia products in an e-portfolio
  • Project planning, monitoring and evaluation

Unit 3: Graphics

  • Selecting and capturing stimulus materials
  • Developing graphic images
  • Using vector-based and bitmap-based software tools
  • Preparing images for screen and print
  • Presenting graphics work in an e-portfolio
  • Project planning, monitoring and evaluation

Unit 4: ICT in Enterprise

  • Exploring a business opportunity
  • Presenting business plans
  • Business communication
  • Advertising and promotion
  • Creating an e-portfolio
  • Project planning, monitoring and evaluation

 

100% Coursework assessment –all work has to be presented electronically for assessment, not on paper.

The units are all very practical and 100% coursework assessment so there are no written examinations to sit, however all coursework needs to be completed to the highest standard right from the start of the course. It must also be handed in promptly at a number of deadlines throughout the course.


All work has to be presented in an electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) that students have to create. This will essentially be a web site or web pages containing ALL evidence of work.  Like a web site it needs to be clearly laid out, easy to navigate and find information and evidence. All work has to be saved in such ways that the files created can be opened on any computer, whether the user has the original software or not. Creating this e-portfolio is an essential part of every unit, it also makes an ideal way of showing off your work when going for job or college interviews.

Examples of completed e-portfolios can be viewed on the school intranet at the URL shown below.

http://www.w-h-s.org.uk/intranet/course/view.php?id=108

For further information, please contact Mr Quinn.

Examples of Jobs and Careers related to ICT:    Desk Top Publisher, Systems Analyst, Software Engineer, ICT Consultant, ICT Technician, Network Manager, Hardware Designer.