Please Help! - ICT or Computing A level?

[Matt1]

Hi,

My name is Matt and I'm currently in year 11 getting ready to apply for my A levels.
I've decided that I definitely want to become a deck cadet.

The last time I spoke to a deck cadet, he advised me to take as much science, maths and ICT as I can get.

However, now that I'm here, I don't know if it would be more useful to take an A level in Computing or in ICT?
What would the companies be more interested in?

Thank you for any help that you can give

[JonathanI]

I think either or to be honest all you have to be able to do is operate basic programs and send some emails.

[Bulman]

I doubt companies would see much difference between Computing and ICT for deck, i think the computing would be more interesting as its more into actual software and hardware where as ICT seems to be based more on Excel and using programs? I dunno if its changed to much, someone might say otherwise but just go with which you'd enjoy more, you should be able to see what each teaches you and what they cover and pick which you think you'd enjoy more and would be more applicable to a Cadetship.

What other A levels are you taking? this might help sway the decision, i bet someone will come along and say forget ICT take Physics, Maths and maths, and maybe a bit more maths

[EH75]

As others have said neither is really an essential subject as such so probably just take the one you are most interested in. Most of the computer based stuff you are likely to be doing on ship will be e-mails, word processing, excel etc so a knowledge of these would be advantageous but most people know how to do all that anyway without needing to do an A-Level in it. You don't need to be an expert. Obviously everything is getting more and more electronic with ships going all ECDIS and stuff but you will get training on that during your cadetship anyway.

For deck, definitely take maths and physics, they are the most important subjects IMO and will form the core of a lot of the stuff you do during the cadetship and beyond. I wouldn't put computer based courses in the same category of importance as those.

[Matt1]

I doubt companies would see much difference between Computing and ICT for deck, i think the computing would be more interesting as its more into actual software and hardware where as ICT seems to be based more on Excel and using programs? I dunno if its changed to much, someone might say otherwise but just go with which you'd enjoy more, you should be able to see what each teaches you and what they cover and pick which you think you'd enjoy more and would be more applicable to a Cadetship.

What other A levels are you taking? this might help sway the decision, i bet someone will come along and say forget ICT take Physics, Maths and maths, and maybe a bit more maths

Yeah thanks! I'm looking at taking Maths, Physics, Chemistry and then the ICT one (whatever one it is)

And thanks to everyone - i'm new to this site and you've all been really helpful and kind

[Brendan]

Really good A level choices! If you do well, companies are sure to favour your application. Although they don't specifically look for computer based qualifications there's no doubt it will help familiarise you with technology you'll use at sea when navigating. As for Computing vs ICT there really isn't much to worry about as whatever you take will be viewed equally given that you do well of course. Do whichever you feel you'll do best at. I did Computing at GCSE and loved it. Would've loved ICT as well but I know the course content was hardly much difference

Good luck! Wish I had the brains and strength to take on the A levels you are...

[Hatchorder]

My son did Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Graphics, but dropped the graphics after the first year. To be honest I think either one is fine but do the other 3 in the second year.

Ian

[Matt1]

Cool thanks everyone. This has made me more confidant in my A level choices!