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.
