ICT

Aim: To enable all pupils to become thoroughly familiar with the computer skills they will need to be able to retrieve and process information, and to present their work to others in a professional manner in all areas of the curriculum.

What is ICT?
ICT stands for Information and Communication Technology and includes the full range of computer hardware, computer software and telecommunications facilities.  It also includes the full range of devices that can be used to input data into and to interpret data from computers.

Pupils will have the opportunity to develop skills in the use of personal computers, working with standard commercial software.  In addition they will become familiar with the workings of the School’s local area network and the wide area networks that allow computer systems and people to communicate globally.

What will your child study?

Year 7

Keyboard skills. Pupils will be introduced to software that they can access at any time, which is self tutoring and designed to improve their keyboard skills.

Spreadsheets. In this unit pupils will use spreadsheets to model simple situations such as a shopping list. They will use basic spreadsheet functions to construct, explore and amend simple models and will consider how to manipulate graphs and tables in order to present their findings effectively.

Databases. In this unit pupils will consider how to collect relevant data to appoint a new superhero. They will design a file to handle the data and check the entries for errors. They will also use the database functions in a spreadsheet to interrogate their data and find the right man or woman for the job. They will draw up hypothesis and consider the plausibility of their conclusions.

Internet. Pupils are taught how to make maximum use of the Internet to research topics making use of search engines, and how to incorporate retrieved information into their work. Pupils are able to sign up for a school email account.

Presentations. In this unit pupils will plan and create a presentation about endangered animals. The presentation will be projected onto screen to be viewed by the rest of the class and will be accompanied by a spoken commentary. In creating the presentation pupils will explore how images, text, colour and sound are ‘fit for purpose’ and choose the most appropriate to enhance their work.

Control. Pupils will learn that technology is used to control many everyday events, such as the operation of traffic lights and the raising of car park barriers. Pupils will use software called ‘scratch’ to create programmes to control animated objects.

Year 8

Web design. In this unit pupils will first create simple webpages using HTML coding. They will then move on to use webpage creation software to link pages and applying cascading style sheets. In creating a simple school website pupils will explore how images, text, colour and sound are ‘fit for purpose’ and choose the most appropriate to enhance their work

Databases and Graphics. Pupils will be shown how to create and use databases to organise data in preparation for the creation of a set of ‘Top Trumps’ cards using DTP and graphics software.

Information, Reliability, Validity and Bias. Pupils will explore the type of information available on the internet and learn how to judge the validity and reliability of an information source. They will then create a presentation using reliable research material collected from the internet to prove or disprove the existence of alien life.

Animation and 3D Design. Pupils will learn how to use a programme called Alice which is intended to teach basic programming techniques through the creation of 3D animations. They may also go on to use Solidworks, industry standard CAD software to create 3D virtual models.

Year 9

Throughout the year pupils will study a number of combined projects enabling them to use all the skills they have learned during the course of Years 7 and 8. One such project requires pupils to design a website for a theatre using relevant hyperlinks. Pupils will then develop an IT system for the theatre booking, administration and accounts, consolidating skills previously learnt and using new skills such as Mail Merge. Pupils will also gain a benchmark level in ICT skills by completing assessment modules created by the British Computer Society European Computer Driven Licence Course.

How will pupils be assessed?
Pupils’ work will be regularly assessed.
Pupils will be encouraged to review their own work.
Pupils will be given verbal and written advice on ways in which work could be enhanced.

Work will be differentiated:
By providing extension tasks.
By setting open-ended tasks which allow the more able to explore more advanced features of the software being used.
By asking for LSA support where pupils will benefit from it.

Homework is set occasionally to support work done in class. Pupils may be asked to:
Answer questions.
Collect data for processing in class.
Improve and enhance work being undertaken in class.

Wider uses of ICT

Pupils will use the Computer Room in a number of ways:
in Years 7, 8 and 9, each pupil has the equivalent of one lesson a week dedicated to ICT.  This is taught in two 5 week blocks.

All subjects are encouraged to bring classes to the Computer Room.  For example pupils may find themselves in the Computer Room during English lessons while they prepare a newsletter, or in a Maths lesson using some of the interactive Maths software or using spreadsheets.

The Computer Room is open all day until the boarders go to bed.  This means that pupils can use the computers at break time, during the lunch period, after school and during the evening.

Out of lesson time pupils may use the computers for their own personal use including the Internet and email, but non-educational games are not allowed.

All pupils have access to the Internet through our filtered Internet Service Provider.

Home:

Most of our pupils have access to a PC and the Internet at home, and this is of considerable help to them in their studies at secondary level, especially access to a PC with Microsoft Office.

Today’s students have grown up in the digital age. They have the ‘know how’ for using technology, whether they are socialising on Twitter or downloading music from Myspace – it has become second nature to them.  However, how does it all work? How are new ICT solutions developed? What are the risks and benefits of using ICT?

Students will work towards the GCSE in ICT but there will be the opportunity for more able students to opt for the Double Award

Students are required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

current and emerging technologies and their impact on individuals, organisations and society

a range of ICT tools and techniques and the ways they are used in different contexts to develop ideas and solve problems

legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the use of ICT for individuals, organisations and society

issues of risk, safety, security, and responsible use of ICT

collaborative working

the use of ICT to support.

Course content:

For the ICT GCSE the first two units are assessed whereas for the Double Award ICT GCSE all four units are assessed.

Unit1:Living in a Digital World Unit code:5IT01
In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society.

They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move).

They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.

This unit is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked by Edexcel. This unit comprises 40% of the GCSE or 20% of the Dual Award.

Unit2: Using Digital Tools Unit code:5IT02
This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.

They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

This unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions, and students must complete a controlled assessment task provided by Edexcel. This unit comprises 60% of the GCSE or 30% of the Dual Award.

Unit 3:Exploring Digital Design Unit code:5IT03 (For the Double Award)
In this unit students explore the design of interactive digital products such as websites, computer games and databases. They learn how to interpret and produce design documentation.

They investigate the properties of different types of digital content and features of the user interface.

They develop knowledge and understanding of the legal, and other constraints on the production and use of digital content.

This unit is assessed through a 1 hour 30 minute examination paper set and marked by Edexcel. This unit comprises 20% of the Dual Award GCSE.

Unit 4:Creating Digital Products Unit code:5IT04 (For the Double Award)
This is a practical unit. Students apply the knowledge and understanding of digital design they acquire in Unit 3 to produce an interactive digital product for others to use.

They can choose what sort of product to design and make, but it must include an appropriate user interface and user input must determine the outputs that are produced.

This unit is internally assessed under controlled conditions, and students must complete a controlled assessment task, provided by Edexcel. This unit comprises 30% of the Dual Award GCSE.

Specification: Edexcel GCSE ICT 2IT01 and GCSE ICT (Double Award) 2IT02
Click here to download the current specification for these GCSE courses.

AS and A Level

This subject is ideal for students who wish to progress to higher education or to the world of work, where understanding how ICT can be used in society and organisations, and the implications of its use, will be a valuable asset.

At AS:
At AS, the two units are complementary and are concerned with applying ICT to solve problems and the study of the opportunities for and affects of using ICT in the world today. Candidates will have the opportunity to put into practice a wide range of software and hardware to create solutions to solve problems.

Unit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World
Topic list
Practical use of ICT, identifying, designing, producing, testing, documenting and evaluating solutions
Data entry, storage, output of information, use of software, current health and safety legislation.

Assessment
1½ hour written paper - 25% of total A Level marks
Section A: short answer questions; Section B: 3 or more structured questions requiring discursive answers. All questions are compulsory.

Unit 2: Living in the Digital World
Topic list
ICT systems, their components, uses, users, safety and security
Data and information, data transfer, backup and recovery.
Assessment
1½ hour written paper - 25% of total A Level marks
Section A: short answer questions; answers are based on an exemplar piece of work which is produced during the Spring Term. Section B: 3 or more structured questions requiring discursive answers. All questions are compulsory.

At A2:
At A2, students will study the concepts associated with the use of ICT in the 21st century. They will also have opportunities for acquiring skills needed in the IT profession such as co-operative working and project management. These practical skills can be developed in areas of ICT that are of interest to them. Students can also use these newly acquired skills as a springboard into other qualifications and working environments.

Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World
Topic list
Developments in technology, information needs of organisations, ICT systems, management of ICT.
Developing ICT systems, introducing large ICT systems into organisations.
Training and supporting users of ICT systems.
Assessment
2 hour written paper - 30% of total A Level marks
Candidates will be provided with pre-release material which will be available on the AQA Website on 1 November for the January examination, and 1 April for the June examination. The pre-release will be re-issued for use in the examination. Section A: structured questions based on pre-release material; Section B: questions requiring extended prose answers. All questions are compulsory.

Unit 4: Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World
Topic list
Practical issues involved in managing the use of ICT in organisations
Investigating, analysing, defining requirements
Selecting and using appropriate technologies, designing solutions, methods for testing and installation, documenting and evaluating.
Coursework - 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates must produce a report based upon their practical work/investigation. The report will be internally marked and externally moderated.
Suggested topics for study are:
A training system
A system for evaluating software.

Specification: AQA ICT AS 1521 A2521
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.