Digital Technology - Prestatyn Sixth

Qualification type: Level 3 GCE AS & GCE A
The WJEC GCE AS and A level qualification in Digital Technology advances learners’ understanding of the digital technologies that are used by individuals and organisations across the world, including how they have developed and how they
continue to change.
The qualification enables learners to develop a deep understanding of how innovations in digital technology, and the increasing levels of connectivity between them, impact the lives of those who use them and the wider society. Learners will also develop practical skills in developing both creative digital products and digital solutions to problems faced by organisations, supporting their progression into employment in a career that utilises digital technologies or onto a programme of higher education involving digital technologies.
The qualification may be taken by those who have previously studied WJEC GCSE Digital Technology or those who are interested in developing new skills in this subject area. The qualification will be of particular value to those with an interest in working in digital technology or continuing their studies in this subject area in higher education.
It is, nonetheless, designed to appeal to a broad range of learners with different interests and may complement the study of a wide range of other subjects, including computer science, mathematics, physics, geography, design and technology, economics, business studies, art and design, history and geology.
  • This WJEC GCE specification in Digital Technology will enable learners to develop:
  • an understanding of significant past, current and emerging digital technologies
  • an understanding of the integrated and connected nature of digital technologies used by individuals and organisations
  • skills in researching and exploring issues before finding and implementing effective solutions to them
  • skills in planning, designing and creating innovative web-based and multimedia content that meets the needs of specific audiences an understanding of legal, social, ethical and professional and environmental impacts of digital technologies on individuals and wider society
  • a knowledge of the systems development life cycle and its iterative and cyclical nature.
Entry requirements
5 higher grade passes including Maths B

Progression routes: This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of Digital Technology or a related area through a range of higher education courses, progression to the next level of vocational qualifications or employment. In addition, Digital Technology supports learners’ progression into employment in a career that utilises digital technologies or onto a programme of higher education involving digital technologies such as; software engineer, systems analyst, webmaster, games designer, animator, network manager and more..

Assessment
AS Unit 1: Innovation in Digital Technology Written examination: 2 hours, 20% of qualification 80 marks: 100 UMS AS
Unit 2: Creative Digital Practices Non-exam assessment (NEA): approximately 45 hours, 20% of qualification 80 marks: 100 UMS As above plus: A2
Unit 3: Connected Systems Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes 30% of qualification 100 marks: 150 UMS A2
Unit 4: Digital Solutions Non-exam assessment (NEA): approximately 45 hours 30% of qualification 100 marks: 150 UMS