GCE Digital Technology (2016)

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The CCEA GCE Digital Technology specification is for students interested in current and emerging technologies, the impact they have and how to use them effectively.

This specification is available at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification. They can also choose to take the AS course as a stand-alone qualification.

In the AS units, students explore approaches to the development of complex digital technology systems, the key stages in the process and the outputs produced. They also develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of any digital technology system, such as data representation, computer architecture, software and the user interface.

Students who continue to A2 develop knowledge and understanding of concepts such as computer networks, databases, mobile technologies, cloud computing, legislation, and moral and ethical issues. They apply their skills, knowledge and understanding to develop an application that solves a problem for a specified client.

The specification has four units:

  • Unit AS 1: Approaches to Systems Development
  • Unit AS 2: Fundamentals of Digital Technology
  • Unit A2 1: Information Systems
  • Unit A2 2: Application Development (Case Study).

Current Specification

First teaching: from September 2016
First award of AS level: from Summer 2017
First award of A level: from Summer 2018
QAN AS level: 601/8489/9
QAN A level: 601/8488/7
Subject code: 2650/2610
Guided learning hours AS level: 180
Guided learning hours A level: 360
Qualification level: 3

Skills developed through our GCE Digital Technology

This specification builds on learning from Key Stage 4 and gives students opportunities to continue to develop the Cross-Curricular Skills and the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.

Our GCE in Digital Technology gives students opportunities to develop advanced skills in a range of development environments and apply these to relevant work-related scenarios.

The specification encourages students to develop their ability to solve problems using computational thinking. They analyse problems, design appropriate solutions, develop and test solutions, and evaluate their work.

Students also acquire other skills valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace. These include research, investigation, analysis, communication and working with others.

For more information on this specification contact:

Andrew Douglas
Subject Officer
(028) 9590 6701
Nuala Tierney
Specification Support Officer
(028) 9590 6689

Work with us

There are currently no positions related to this qualification with CCEA. To see all available positions with CCEA visit our jobs section.