This specification focuses on the use of ICT in a business context. It introduces students to work-related learning and equips them with skills they will need in the workplace. It is a vocational, Double Award course. Materials covering two years’ worth of work are available on CD Rom.

For information for Teachers & Candidates on the Applied ICT Timed Tasks, please go to Downloads and download documents IT1 and IC1 from the GCSE in Applied ICT section.

The CCEA/ICAAE GCSE in Applied ICT (Double Award) (Specification B) builds upon the broad educational framework set out in the Applied GCSE Criteria of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. It covers both Levels 1 and 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. The qualification is of an equivalent standard to two GCSE grades A*A* - GG.

The specification has been designed to introduce students to work-related learning and equip them with the skills they will need in the workplace or in further education and training. It differs from traditional GCSEs in that it is more focused on the use of ICT in a business context.

Students will study three mandatory units:

Unit 1 - ICT Tools and Applications
Unit 2 - ICT in Organisations
Unit 3 - ICT and Society

The specification contains indicators for the coverage of all of the Key Skills.

The scheme of assessment consists of one tier. This covers grades GG - A*A*. Assessment is by means of a combination of internal and external assessment. This course assesses Unit 1 through a mixture of internal assessment and an externally set and marked assignment (33%), and Units 2 and 3 through internal assessment (33% per unit). Students are required to submit a coursework portfolio and complete a Timed Externally Set and Marked Task.

Students are expected to select at least one of the following areas in which to base their coursework: The Entertainment Industries, Retail, Banking, Travel Industries, Health and Social Care. It is estimated that the coursework portfolio will take approximately 40-60 hours of study for the generation of portfolio evidence. The coursework portfolio will be marked by the Centre and externally moderated by CCEA.

The Timed Externally Set and Marked Task will encompass a set theme, which will change each year. The themes will be based on one of the following contexts: The Entertainment Industries, Retail, Banking, Travel Industries, Health and Social Care. The context will be notified to Centres two years in advance to enable them to use the same context for the candidates’ coursework portfolios. The Timed Externally Set and Marked Task will take 10-15 hours. It will be set and marked by CCEA.