ICT

 



The ICT department aims to inspire students to be confident, competent and independent users of ICT by developing their skills, knowledge and understanding using a range of different software applications to enable them to use their skills in all subjects and the real world.

We aim to enable both students, staff and the community to:

  • enjoy using ICT as in all aspects of their work

  • become autonomous users of ICT

  • use ICT confidently and appropriately

  • develop their range of transferable skills

  • reach the highest standards of quality and efficiency

  • apply ICT skills both at school at home and in business

  • make sense of technological changes

  • use ICT to improve and maintain motivation

  • use technology to improve the quality of their lives and that of society

KS3

Throughout Key Stage 3 students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups and broadly follow the Key Stage 3 ICT framework. Each year group has one lesson of ICT a week.
Year 7 students cover the following areas: Using ICT; Internet Safety; Modelling using spreadsheets; Data Handling; Control and Monitoring
Year 8 students cover the following areas: Publishing on the Web; Modelling using spreadsheets; Data Handling using databases; Control and Monitoring
Year 9 students follow the Functional Skills qualification in ICT taking a Level 1 or Level 2 exam towards the end of the year.

 

KS4

During Key Stage 4 ICT can be taken as an option subject where students will follow Edexcel’s Certificate in Digital Applications. The course enables students to become active producers of quality digital content. It develops their ability to organise themselves and their work and encourages them to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT. Students will complete 2 units of work during Year 10 and 11, each unit equivalent to one GCSE.A unique aspect of the course is that students’ coursework is produced, stored and assessed in a digital format rather than on paper. There are no written exams on paper and the majority of the teaching and learning takes place on screen.  


KS5

In today’s world, where ICT is constantly changing, individuals will increasingly need skills to adapt and successfully work with new and improved systems. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of literacy and numeracy. The impact of ICT  on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the Internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies.

AS and A Level ICT encourages pupils to become discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding. The subject is available to any student who has an interest in ICT and a desire to do well in its study.

The AS is made up of two mandatory components. An examined unit (60%) and a series of practical tasks (40%). These form 50% of the four unit A Level.

The A2 course covers recent technological developments in ICT: ADSL, satellite communications and cellular telephones for example. A2 ICT builds on themes and topics introduced at AS and looks more closely at real life applications of ICT. Coursework at A2 requires the students to work with a third party to develop a system that solves a business problem.