Computing or ICT at A-Level ?

simmed

ringo_24601 wrote: »

however one of the big tasks is making sure you get a 1st or 2:1 (damn my 2:2)

Can you explain this? I have no idea what those numbers represent

Blacksheep1979

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Probably only 60 are 'technical' and require knowledge of UNIX, programming, SQL etc..

erm I wouldn't class unix or sql as technical

ringo_24601 wrote: »

From what I know of 'the city', being a bit techy does help, especially knowing some VBA. Being very good at maths can get you very good jobs if you want to do finance, however one of the big tasks is making sure you get a 1st or 2:1 (damn my 2:2)

and vba is def not techy, infact you go for a serious computer based role vba is more than likely going to get you laughed at.

Helix

simmed wrote: »

Can you explain this? I have no idea what those numbers represent

They are classes of degree. They don't use the typical (A, B, C etc) grades at uni.

1st is the best then it goes 2:1 (Upper Second Class), 2:2 (Lower Second Class), 3rd or Pass.

[Deleted User]

Simmed - 1st, 2:1, 2:2, 3rd, pass no honours and fail are the major classifications you get when you completed a university degree.

We have several major 'streams' at work.. consultancy, technical, sales, HR.. in our classification, being able to install Oracle 10 and Citrix counts as technical skills, as does knowing your way properly around AIX or VMS. Personally, i'm a Senior Interface Analyst, I develop and implement specifications to integrate different hospital IT systems using messaging systems (such as Websphere MQ). This makes me part of the technical stream, although I do require consultancy skills as part of my job.

Yes, i know VBA isn't 'serious', i had a pretty good grasp of VB when I was a teenager in the 90s.. BUT, if you do a little bit of searching - having a knowledge of VBA and finance can get you very far in the city. Most 'IT' jobs in the city will rely on knowledge of C++/Java but if you want to head in the financial sector, knowing how to automate a spreadsheet will get you noticed

Lokolo

I am currently studying a degree in Computer Games Programming (pretty much software engineering) and I have learnt a bit of java and c, and already I have noticed those that studied VB have struggled immensely with the programming.

I personally taught myself php with mysql and have found Java and C a breeze so far, to be fair, I would say it depends on the person.

IHateDida

As an ICT teacher - I would recommend taking Computing above ICT - many of the top Universities (if you intend on going!) don't recognise/or at best, like ICT - just be careful! They see it as a coursework-loaded course (which it is!) and therefore easier to get better marks in/copy others etc...

Computing will look better on your CV than ICT, especially with the other subjects you are taking (I've written Uni references in the past and know what some Uni's think of ICT, even though I actually teach it!).

djhworld

Computing, by far.

I'm in my third year of university now, but I'm still so glad I did Computing at A level, it helps you understand many of the concepts of Computer Science so you're ready if you do it at degree level.

ICT is nothing more then creating websites, creating databases and playing with Microsoft Office for two years. It's a complete waste of time, a few of my friends did it and they hated it. Computing teaches you binary mathematics, programming, low level computer hardware theory and all the in betweens. It's probably one of my favourite courses I did at college.

Interesting story to tell, at GCSE level I managed to get a very poor grade for mathematics which didn't bode well when it came to going to college. For the Computing course they required a minimum of a C in GCSE maths. Thankfully, for some reason, I slipped through the net and managed to stay on the course for over a year until they realised what I'd done.

Came out of college with an A in Computing. Just goes to show that "minimum requirements" don't always amount to something.

dcraddock

Hi

I'm a teacher of Computing/ICT, and run the OCR board AS/A2 Computing course. Most students do actually prefer Computing to ICT; it's harder than ICT but certainly more rewarding and useful.

The new course which starts in September 2008 has no coursework at all at AS level, but has a major project (you choose the title) at A2. There's a greater emphasis on programming too.

So if you're looking for an interesting, challenging course that is highly regarded by Universities, and might be looking to study IT/Computing/Business/Science/Maths/Engineering/Anything later on then Computing could be for you.

Besides, why do ICT when you can do ECDL instead?

Good luck with your summer exams!;)

Energize

I did Computing, the only coursework you have to do is a project for unit 6, which isn't difficult if you've already done ICT. The program you have to create for unit 3 is pretty basic as well, it can easily be done in java.

hustle90

I'm at 6 form studying double ICT at A level and Media. I find ICT is one of the hardest A level courses available. Single award night not be as bad, but double is a real struggle when you're doing other A levels. It's not so much of a problem for me as i'm only doing one other A level, however some people are doing two other A level courses with double ICT and they're on the verge of being dropped of the course.

Don't take to much on, as you may crumble under the work load. A levels are a lot harder then GCSE's.