Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Information Communication Technology is taught to years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.  Years 7 and 8 are taught in one dedicated room on the lower site.  Years 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are taught across five ICT suites on the main site.  These ICT suites are equipped with computers and ICT equipment and resources.

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3 students are given the opportunity to develop solutions to problems using a range of software. They are given the opportunity to work independently and as part of a group. Students learn how to assess peers work as well as their own work-using APP.

All projects are based on real life scenarios and give students the opportunity to become confident users of ICT and the confidence to develop complex solutions to a problem.

Units studied in KS3 ICT include:

Year 7

• Internet Safety
• Superhero Database and Spread sheets
• Time Capsule Desktop Publishing
• Transport Web Design
• Theme Parks Graphic Design
• Kodu Game Programing

Year 8

• Internet Safety and the Online World
• Airline Spread sheets
• Global Environment Research Project
• Extreme Sports Web Design and Graphics
• Adventure Quest Database and Spread sheets
• The Apprentice Business Documents

Key Stage 4

Currently the Year 10s and Year 11s students are taught the OCR Nationals suite of qualifications, which provides students with high quality, industry-relevant qualifications geared to the specific requirements of key sectors. They are vocationally-related qualifications that provide valuable opportunities for individuals to develop skills and gain underpinning knowledge and understanding which will support entry into work or progression to further studies through Further Education or Higher Education. Students study 9 units of coursework for example:

Unit 1	ICT skills for business
Unit 2	Webpage creation
Unit 3	Digital imaging – plan and produce computer graphics
Unit 4	Design and produce interactive multimedia products
Unit 5	Desktop publishing
Unit 6	Spreadsheets – design and use
Unit 7	Databases – design and use
Unit 8	Technological innovation and e-commerce
Unit 20	Creating animation for the WWW using ICT
Unit 21	Creating computer graphics
Unit 22	Creating sound using ICT
Unit 23	Creating video

However the year 9s who will be year 10s next year are currently taught BTEC

Key Stage 4 – New

BTEC Level 2 First Award Information and Communication Technology

Key stage 4 students have the opportunity to refine and develop their Information Technology skills by completing a range of innovative units.

For more than 25 years, BTECs have earned their reputation as well-established, enduringly effective qualifications. They have a proven track record in improving motivation and achievement among young learners. Additionally, BTECs provide progression routes to the next stage of education or into employment.

The units of Study included in this qualification include:

Unit One - The Online World

Unit Three - A Digital Portfolio

Unit Six - Creating Digital Graphics

Unit Five - Creating Digital Audio

*The structure of this course also provides students with the option to upgrade their qualifications from the Level 2 First Award to the Level 2 First Certificate during their study in Year 11.

Key Stage 5

In Year 12 students are taught Cambridge Technical in IT Level 2 and Level 3 which encapsulate this through a wide range of units such as installing hardware, creating a website, identifying an IT fault, computer animation and e-commerce. It is an ideal foundation for students entering the workplace, providing them with a theoretical background reinforced with practical skills that transfer into the modern workplace.

Students study 6 units of coursework for example:-

1	Communication and employability skills for IT
2	Information systems
3	Computer systems
4	Managing networks
5	Organisational systems security
6	e-Commerce
7	Computer networks
8	IT technical support
9	Project planning with IT
10	Developing computer games
11	Maintaining computer systems
12	Website production
13	Installing and upgrading software
14	Computer animation
15	Computer game platforms and technologies
16	2D animation production
17	Interactive media authoring
18	Web animation for interactive media
19	Spreadsheet modelling
20	Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems
21	Communication Technologies
22	IT Systems Troubleshooting and Repair
23	Database Design