The ICT provision of the school is reviewed regularly, thus ensuring that all students have the opportunity to access facilities which can be related to those encountered in higher education, business and commerce.

Years 7 - 9

ICT is taught in forms for one hour per week, using cross-curricular links with particular reference to business studies where possible, to teach skills in a range of software.

Years 10 - 11

Based on aptitude at KS3, Key Stage 4 ICT students are allocated a place in Full or Short course GCSE or Functional Skills (Key Skills level 2 for our current year 11 groups). The GCSE courses involve final examinations (40%) and coursework (60%). Functional skills involves continuous portfolio development and is assessed by examination for level 1 and 2. Key Skills assessment is by portfolio and multiple choice tests.

Years 12 - 13

ICT is offered at AS level and A2. Final grades are obtained via two written exams (30% each) and two coursework projects (20% each). A task-driven approach will be taken, relying on effective use of ICT systems.

The computer network is widely used by sixth form students in their study periods to prepare work for assignments across the curriculum.

Course Content

The course enables development and understanding of the wider issues presented by the use of ICT in society as a whole but with specific reference to key areas for coursework investigation. Practical activities are provided to developed intermediate and advanced software skills.

AS

• Module 1 – Information, Systems and Applications
Data, information, knowledge and processing
Software and hardware components of an information system
Characteristics of standard applications software and application areas
Spreadsheet concepts
Relational database concepts
Applications software used for presentation and communication of data
The role and impact of ICT – legal, moral and social issues

• Module 2 – Structured ICT Tasks
Design
Software development
Testing
Documentation

• Module 3 – ICT Systems, Applications and Implications
The systems cycle
Designing computer-based information systems
Networks and communications
Applications of ICT
Implementing computer-based information systems
Implications of ICT

A2

• Module 4 – ICT project

Practical activities are provided to develop specific application based skills in order to support the coursework element of the overall assessment.

Learning Methods and Assessment

AS and A2

Tuition is split between classroom based theory and computer based practical skills to prepare the student for a substantial coursework project.

Year 12 students - one two hour written paper (60/30%) and a range of practical tasks (40/20%). Year 13 students - one two hour written paper (30%) and coursework project (20%)

Expectations of Students

• The ability to work independently; the ability to keep up with current trends in ICT
• The ability to work to deadlines; an interest in ICT and its effect on the wider society

AS and A2

Careers Implications

With current developments in the wider use of ICT across education, commerce and industry this course should enhance career opportunities where ICT skills are increasingly expected as a minimum entry requirement.