Computing and ICT

Staff

Aims

In the Computing and ICT department we encourage pupils to:

• become independent and discerning users of ICT who can make informed decisions about its use and are aware of its implications for individuals, organisations and society

• acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts

• apply knowledge and skills to develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems

• develop programming skills to solve problems

• develop skills in project and time management

• develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and the social and commercial impact of these technologies

• develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues raised by ICT

• recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice

• evaluate ICT-based solutions

Key Stage 3

All Year 8 pupils have 2 periods per week to gain ICT skills in word processing, desk top publishing, spreadsheets, databases, use of the internet and presentation software which can be used across the curriculum. There is also an introduction to Games Technology and basic programming skills using Scratch.

All year 9 pupils have a unit of Computing where they are introduced to HTML coding and basic programming skills using Visual Basic 6.

All year 10 pupils have a unit of ICT and Computing where their database and programming skills are developed.

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

Two subjects are offered at GCSE:

GCSE Business and Communication Systems (CCEA)

The GCSE Business and Communication Systems specification allows pupils to develop ICT skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web authoring, web browsing, email and presentation software, gain a practical introduction to the business world and explore the changing role of digital technology in business today.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Software Applications for Business - computer-based exam worth 40%

• Unit 2: The Business Environment - written exam worth 35%

• Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions. - controlled assessment unit worth 25%

More information is available at
http://ccea.org.uk/business_comm_systems/

GCSE Digital Technology (Programming) (CCEA)

GCSE Digital Technology (Programming) allows pupils to acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of digital technology in a variety of contexts. They also develop creative and practical digital technology skills in an object-oriented environment. They explore the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental impact of digital technology. This qualification also helps them to develop transferable skills such as creative problem solving and teamwork.

The specification has three units:

• Unit 1: Digital Technology - written exam worth 30%

• Unit 4: Digital Development Concepts - written exam worth 40%

• Unit 5: Digital Development Practice. - controlled assessment unit worth 30%

More information is available at
http://ccea.org.uk/digital_technology/
 

A-level

The following is offered at A Level:

OCR Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT

This is an Applied course with 100% coursework and is equivalent to an A level. Cambridge Technicals have been designed to give pupils opportunities to demonstrate and develop the practical application of knowledge and understanding in a number of areas. This enables pupils to develop their research skills as they work, both independently and with colleagues, to progress through the qualification. 
6 units are required to achieve the equivalent of an A level.

Units in Y13

• Unit 1: Communication and Employability Skills for IT

• Unit 2: Information Systems

• Unit 23: Database design

Units in Y14

• Unit 10  Computer Game Design

• Unit 19  Spreadsheet Modelling

• Unit 43 Understanding Social Media for Business

 All units have equal weighting. The grades offered are Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*
 

Software

Students can download a copy of Office 365 from the school for free. 

Facilities

The department has 3 computer suites with C2K networked computers. Other computer suites are available for cross curricular use.