Key Stage 3

In years 7 to 9, pupils will be following the National Strategy for ICT. This is currently being run across most English schools and is classed as one of the four core subjects to study in Key Stage 3.

The aims of the course are to:

Standardise the subject matter taught within the British system,
Develop pupils independent learning skill, and
Improve students understanding of ICT capabilities.

Topics covered in Key stage 3 are: Data Handling, Communication, Modelling, Information Reliability and Bias, Document Production, Control Systems, Publishing on the Web and, in Year 9, the completion of 3 case studies combining all the skills taught in Years 7 and 8.

Key Stage 4

In Years 10 and 11 pupils follow the Cambridge International Examinations IGCE in Information Technology. The course provides opportunities for students to develop an awareness of the nature of the importance of ICT in a rapidly changing society. The course is designed to build on the work completed in Key Stage 3 and develop the students individual learning skills.

The course is practically based with students implementing systems and processing data to obtain various outputs for analysis. It may include excursions to various industries or organisations to observe the practical applications of ICT.

Course content

The course has two main components, practical and theory.

Practical Skills	Theory
Database Management Spreadsheet design and analysis Use of the Internet Use of Email Word processing skill Presentation authouring Website authouring	Components of a computer system Hardware devices Computer networks Data types Effects of ICT Practical applications of ICT Systems analysis and design

Assessment

Candidate's knowledge and practical sills are assessed throughout the course. The final result will be assessed through three examinations that are externally marked by the qualification board. 40% of the grade will come from the theory exam and 60% of the grade will come from the two practical exams.

Key Stage 5

In Years 12 and 13 we offer two stands of ICT, the Applied ICT A and AS levels and DiDA. There are various combinations of these that can be taken and the best option choice should be made in consultation with your tutor or ICT teacher.

Applied ICT

Applied ICT at A level involves pupils completing a four units of coursework, in the form of an ebook, and two externally assessed practical examinations. The course develops the skills and understanding of how ICT is used in in business and focuses in the practical applications used to make professional publications. Details of the units studied are detailed below.

Year 12
Unit 1: The Information Age, assessed by coursework.
Unit 2: The Digital Economy, assessed by coursework.
Unit 3: The Knowledge Worker, assessed by external practical examination.

Year 13
Unit 7: Using Database Software, assessed by external practical examination.
Unit 8: Managing ICT Projects, assessed by coursework.
Unit 11: Using Spreadsheet Software, assessed by coursework.

Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA)

DiDA comprises four units detailed below:

Unit 1: Using ICT
Unit 2: Multimedia Unit 3: Graphics
Unit 4: Enterprise in ICT

Students are required to work independently on subject related briefs (projects) to complete an ebook for each unit, which is internally assessed and moderated externally. Pupils are given 30 hours of guided lesson time to complete each unit and depending on the number of units successfully completed will depend on the award they attain. They are listed below:

Award in Digital Applications (AiDA):

Unit 1 successfully completed

Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA):

Unit 1 and one other unit successfully completed.

Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA):

All four units successfully completed.