Subject Team
Head of faculty: Ms S Streete
Deputy head of faculty: Ms A Bibi
Teaching Staff: Miss A Bibi, Mrs J Little, Mr K Bal
Subject Info
The scheme of work at KS3 is modern, challenging and tries to take into account recent developments and current technologies being used in the subject. It is designed to provide foundation for further study at KS4 and beyond in ICT and Computer Science. It allows pupils to develop an understanding of computer systems, creative games, programming and key applications that are essential in the current workforce.
New topics such as programming give students the opportunity to express their creativity and test their problem solving skills, as well as extend their learning independently by taking their work beyond the level of what is taught in the classroom. Pupils will also be educated in the wider social aspects of the subject, including how to use the internet safely. The curriculum is continually evolving as new technologies become available.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils will develop practical ICT and computing skills as well as team-work, communication, problem-solving, presentation skills and the ability to reflect on and evaluate their own work, and that of others.
What will my child learn over the year groups?
In Year 7 pupils will study:
- E-safety and cyber bullying
- Health and safety in ICT
- Spreadsheets
- Computer animation
- Multimedia design
- Introduction to programming
Year 8 builds on the work in Year 7 and pupils will learn the following:
- Use of ICT within the business environment
- Developing programming skills
- Databases
- Spreadsheets
- Emerging technologies
- Office software skills
In Year 9 pupils are prepared for the Year 10 GCSE/BTEC course by completing a set of projects which will allow them to acquire a range of skills and develop concepts including:
- Creation of digital portfolios
- Evaluating and designing Mobile applications
- Spreadsheet modelling
- Computer legislation
- Computer components
- Programming and software design
- Systems analysis
Does my child need any specialist equipment for this subject?
The ICT department is well equipped with a range of equipment including desk top PCs, laptops and tablets in dedicated suites, with all software necessary for studying ICT up to Key Stage 4 and 5. Pupils are able to log on anywhere in the school and access their work.
It is recognized that not all pupils will have access to technology at home, and pupils have the opportunity to utilize ICT suites at lunchtimes to complete homework and further their knowledge through independent learning.
What extra-curricular sessions and extended learning opportunities are available to my child?
Extra-curricular sessions are held at lunchtimes. The department runs regular lunchtime ICT homework clubs, where pupils can make use of the ICT facilities to enhance their learning.
Extracurricular activities include Digital Leadership roles. This is part of the ICT department’s E-learning strategy, combining individual and Department use of ICT tools for teaching and learning. We choose a team of collaborative workers from KS3, 4 and 5 to prototype and support technology so they can easily integrate what they do within ICT into other subjects. The aim is to increase capacity for their own understanding and others of the use of ICT tools for effective learning, evaluating as they go.
KS4: ICT option: Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Certificate in Information and Creative Technology
Key points:
BTEC has been engaging learners in practical, interpersonal and thinking skills for over 25 years.
Designed to meet the needs of employers, BTECs are work-related qualifications for learners taking their first steps into employment, progressing through their careers or planning to enter university.
Reasons for choosing this course are that the units and materials have been designed and proven to;
- motivate and engage learners
- boost confidence and promote independent learning
- build life and employability skills
- enhance career prospects
- open doors to Further and Higher Education.
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1 – The online world (External assessment) (GLH 30); or
Unit 2 – Technology Systems (External assessment) (GLH 30); And
Unit 3 – A Digital Portfolio (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Optional specialist;
Creating Digital Animation (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Creating Digital Audio (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Creating Digital Graphics (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Creating Digital Videos (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Mobile Apps development (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Spreadsheet Development (Internal assessment) (GLH 30)
Database Development (Internal assessment) (GLH 60)
Computer Networks (Internal assessment) (GLH 60)
Software Development (Internal assessment) (GLH 60)
Website Development (Internal assessment) (GLH 60)
ICT core: WJEC GCSE in Information and Communication Technology (Single Award and Short Course)
This course in Information and Communication Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing information and communication systems in a wide range of contexts relating to your personal interests.
The subject content and tasks within develops learners interdisciplinary skills and capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence.
Key points:
The specification encourages the investigation and study of Information and Communication Technology in a variety of contexts. Learners are given opportunities to acquire competence, capability and critical skills through the creation, implementation, use and evaluation of a range of information and communication systems. Learners from all cultures and both genders can develop their interest in, enjoyment of, and critical reflection about information technology as an integral part of modern society.
The specification followed has been developed by WJEC to provide the opportunity for candidates to obtain a qualification in:
GCSE (Single Award) Information and Communication Technology
or
GCSE (Short Course) Information and Communication Technology
How will I be assessed?
Unit 1: Understanding ICT – Single Award 20%; Short course 40% (External Assessment: 1.5hrs) (80 Marks)
This examination paper will assess the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Information and Communication Technology and the functional elements of ICT in a home and school context.
Unit 2: Solving Problems with ICT – Single Award 30%; Short course 60% (Controlled Assessment: 22.5hrs) (80 marks)
This controlled assessment consists of a portfolio of work which shows candidates’ attainment in obtaining and interpreting different types of information; using developing and communicating information to meet the purpose of their studies and presenting the results of their work. This assignment will assess the practical aspects of the functional elements of ICT.
Unit 3: ICT in Organisations – Single Award 20%; (External Assessment: 1.5hrs)(80 marks)
This examination paper will assess the ‘application’ content of ICT in a business and industry context.
Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions – Single Award 30% (Controlled Assessment)(80 marks)
This controlled assessment will give candidates the opportunity to develop a piece of work using multimedia software following a single task brief issued by WJEC.