ICT_A_Level_Software_Systems_Development

Software Systems Development (CCEA)

Why choose Software Systems Development?

Northern Ireland has already established a reputation for being a regional centre for excellence in IT. Over the last ten years, the region has attracted the investment of some of the largest companies in the world, several of whom have established their entire IT divisions here in the province. This trend is set to continue as more and more companies realise the high quality of graduates our education system is producing.

Software engineers are currently in high demand in Northern Ireland with the overwhelming majority of graduates gaining permanent employment once they graduate from University. These jobs are often well-paid and offer very competitive benefits packages and in some cases opportunities for travel within the company.

A Level Software Systems Development was introduced to try and encourage and foster development of object-oriented programming skills, a key requirement for anyone considering not only a career in IT but indeed any STEM-related career.  There are many jobs which require an understanding of object-oriented programming even though it is clearly not a core requirement e.g. engineering.

Course Aims

This course aims to help students to:

• develop a genuine interest in programming in software systems development;
• develop an understanding of systems approaches and modelling techniques;
• develop skills that will prepare them for work in today’s software industry;
• participate in developing a software project using a complete software development process;

Course Structure

AS

Unit 1

This unit provides students with a thorough understanding of object oriented systems. Students adopt an object oriented approach to problem solving. Object concepts are defined and implemented. The unit enables students to develop object oriented skills. It helps students to appreciate the benefits of developing applications in this type of environment. This unit is externally assessed through a two hour question paper

Unit 2

This unit provides students with an opportunity to implement and develop object oriented technologies in an event driven environment. Students are able to state requirements and design, implement, test and evaluate their application. This unit is internally assessed through development of a coursework portfolio showcasing programming skills.

A2

Unit 1

This unit provides students with a thorough understanding of the reasons for systems development. It also provides them with an understanding of fundamental systems analysis and design concepts. It provides a detailed study of design methodologies. The unit introduces students to project management concepts and testing strategies that assist the systems development process. This unit is externally assessed through a two hour question paper with a pre-release case study.

Unit 2

This unit provides students with an opportunity to design and implement a solution to a given problem using the knowledge and skills acquired in the preceding units. The students implement an agreed design using an appropriate software tool. The unit allows them to experience the elements of the systems development process. We require students to build their solutions using an RDMS through an event driven programming environment. This unit is internally assessed with a pre-release case study.

Student Requirements

It is a requirement that anyone who has studied ICT to GCSE has a minimum of a Grade B to study A Level Software Systems Development. Please note that it is not necessary however to have studied ICT at GCSE to take up Software Systems Development as an A Level.

It t is also a requirement that anyone considering this subject should have at least a Grade B in GCSE Mathematics and, because of the need to be able to apply mathematical skills of problem solving and logic, a Grade A is recommended. It is also strongly recommended that pupils taking Software Systems Development to A level have studied Further Mathematics at GCSE.

Attendance at the programming club, “Code Academy”, designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of programming in C#, a large component of the A Level Software Systems Developemt, is also highly recommended.