Information and Communication Technology

Information Technology plays an increasingly important role in all our daily lives and in the education of our children. The National Curriculum requires that all pupils have experience of the use of computers in a wide range of situations. When we talk about Information Technology we are referring to the use of computers to store, communicate and manipulate all kinds of data.

At Year 7 - 9

In Year 7 pupils will be given an introduction to computers and how to make the best use of our network stations. They will rapidly become familiar with the wide range of software available in the school. Pupils are actively encouraged to use computers across the curriculum and to use spreadsheets, databases and word processing as an integral part of their studies.

In Years 8 and 9 ICT is taught as a discrete subject by ICT teachers. The school follows the Key Stage 3 (KS3) National Strategy as laid down by QCA. This strategy lays out a number of topics that need to be covered to ensure that pupils across the country achieve a common understanding of ICT and develop their capabilities and skills in the use of ICT. Pupils will learn not only the necessary skills to be able to use ICT products, but also the understanding of when and how to use these skills to produce relevant materials for different target audiences - ICT capability, not just ICT skills.

At Year 10 and 11
 

AiDA - With new media playing an increasingly important part in our everyday lives, skills in digital applications provide a wide range of career options, as well as a route into further or higher education all students study for a Award in Digital Applications (AiDA) which is worth 1 GCSE this course will allow students to be competent users of ICT. Students also have the option to extend their AiDA qualification by taking the options of graphics and/or multimedia.

Graphics - This unit provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to design and produce effective graphic products that communicate successfully onscreen and in print. Learners will discover how to:

• use vector and bitmap tools to develop graphic elements
• use testing and feedback from others as an integral part of an iterative development process from initial designs through to final products
• exhibit their achievements in an eportfolio
• evaluate the effectiveness of graphic products they produce and assess the contribution of underpinning processes, such as planning and use of feedback, to their success.
• Multimedia - This unit provides learners with the knowledge and skills they need to design and produce effective multimedia products. Learners will discover how to:
• produce detailed, up-front design documentation
• collect, create and prepare different types of digital assets – audio, video, animation, still images, movies and text – for use in multimedia products
• carry out different types of testing – for functionality, for usability, for accuracy, for impact - and obtain and use feedback from others as an integral part of the development process
• use multimedia assets to showcase their achievements in an eportfolio
• Evaluate the effectiveness of multimedia products they produce and assess the contribution of underpinning processes, such as planning and design, to their success.

GCSE ICT - This course will teach pupils about the role of ICT in the wider world and the impact it is likely to have on our future no matter which career path they choose. It will help them to develop their skills required to make effective use of the different types of ICT presented to them and will make them aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using ICT for a range of activities. Pupils are assessed on their practical coursework as well as a terminal examination.

At Year 12 - 13

This is an Advanced Level (A-Level) course in ICT. First year will lead to a nationally recognised qualification AS level. At the end of the first year, successful candidates have the option of continuing for another year to achieve an A-Level qualification.

This course uses a task driven approach to problem solving and decision making that relies on the effective use of information and communication technology systems enhancing students’ role as a communicator and adviser. The assessment in Years 12 and 13 is through 3 essays two of which are internally marked.