We aim to develop

confident and competent users of a range of software applications.

Curriculum

We have 4 fully equipped computer rooms, two of which have 30 computers available so that pupils are able to work individually on tasks.

Key Stage 3

Pupils in Years 7 have two lessons a fortnight. Pupils in Years 8 and 9 experience ICT teaching through their other subject lessons within the curriculum. The work is based on the National Strategy but has been developed by the ICT team to suit the needs of our pupils.

Key Stage 4

Students who choose the GCSE ICT option course have five lessons a fortnight.

GCSE in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT)

ICT is now being offered as an option leading to a single award.  The course consists of two compulsory units.

UNIT 1

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

Students 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, on the move).

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

Assessment
90 minutes examination paper consisting of five compulsory questions using a variety of question styles: multiple-choice, short answer and extended-writing.
This unit is weighted 40% of the GCSE

UNIT 2

Using Digital Tools
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.

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

They put into practice what they learn about digital technology in Unit 1 to produce their own ICT solutions.

Assessment

This is assessed using a Controlled Assessment Brief (CAB). Students have 40 hours to work on the CAB which is an interactive onscreen document.

This unit is weighted 60% of the GCSE

Key Stage 5

We offer an A level course, the GCE in Applied ICT.

Updated: September 2012