ICT

Mr P. Miller (Head of KS4 ICT) & Mr G. Woodward (Head of KS3 ICT)

Staff

Mr P. Miller (Head of KS4 ICT)
Mr G. Woodward (Head of KS3 ICT)
Mr T. Vickers

KS3 ICT

During KS3 ICT students will have two lessons a week in Year 7 and one in Year 8. Students will study a variety of practical tasks using different software applications that will help them gain the necessary skills and knowledge required for moving onto KS4 and beyond.

Year 7

Introduction to ICT
E-Safety
Conducting a Survey
Desktop Publishing
Internet Research
Introduction to Spreadsheet Modelling
Presenting to an Audience

Year 8

Web Design
Using Databases
Introduction to Graphics Using Fireworks
Introduction to Animation Using Flash
Creating Sound
Video Editing
Preparation for KS4 ICT

KS4 ICT

As part of their option choice, students can choose to follow the Edexcel GCSE ICT qualification.
There are two units of study which cover the following areas:

·         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 well-being, on the move). They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.

·         Unit 2: Practical applications in ICT

 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 learned about digital technology in Unit 1.

GCSE ICT can form the basis for study at further education in ICT or similar courses such as Computing or Business Studies.  ICT skills will be beneficial for virtually any course chosen at further education, and are also considered an advantage when applying for employment.
The full GCSE is assessed as follows:

·         Unit 1: written examination worth 40%

·         Unit 2: controlled assessment worth 60%

Extra Curricular

All ICT teachers offer lunchtime and after school clinics for additional help with Years 7 to 11. Students who need to catch up with work are asked to attend; teachers will inform students if this is required. Students can also arrange to meet their teachers if there is any concern over their work.

Results

Over the years the department has had excellent results with which they are proud of. This has varied with GNVQ ICT, DiDa ICT and OCR Nationals in ICT. In summer 2010 97.8% of our students achieved a C or above in the subject.