Holy Cross is a Catholic High School established by the Catholic Community of the Chorley Deanery.
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Here at Holy Cross we have an extensive curriculum which is built around key stage 3 and key stage 4.
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All pupils study ICT and Computing on the carousel. They get one block for ICT and one block for Computing at Key Stage 3. We aim to provide pupils with the necessary skills to become confident and competent users of ICT. Pupils will use a range of software and develop their skills in application packages as well as computer science. Pupils are assessed at regular intervals and are encouraged to accept responsibility for their learning by formal and informal reviews of their progress and performance.
The department has three specialist ICT rooms each containing 20-25 computers with access to many industry standard packages such Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access), Macromedia Studio MX (Fireworks, Dreamweaver, Flash), 2D-design, Acoustica Mixcraft sound editing, Sony Vegas Movie Creation, Win logo and Serif Creative Suite.
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All pupils at Key Stage 3 are assessed at the end of each term. Assessment will take the form of summative assessments (specific pieces of work) and formative (practical and online written tests). These assessments inform teaching, progress and setting arrangements.
Currently, all year 11 pupils study one lesson of ICT each week. This is the Cambridge Nationals qualification and is equivalent to one GCSE.
From this year, ICT is an option only subject. Pupils may opt to study GCSE ICT for three additional lessons per week and follow the Edexcel Course in ICT. Another option available is Computer Science. This follows the OCR exam board.
CORE (CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS) Key stage 4
Written paper (25%) – Unit R001 Understanding Computer Systems: This unit will give students a solid base to develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the implications of working with data to enable them to use computers effectively. Coursework (75%)
Unit R002 Using ICT to Create Business Solutions: Students will refine their existing knowledge of computers to reflect the working practices of the commercial world. This includes using a wide range of software efficiently.
Unit R003 Handling Data Using Spreadsheets: Students will process and present data into meaningful information that can be used to support the decision-making process in real-life scenarios, including budgeting, cost modelling, reporting, trend analysis and forecasting.
Unit R005 Creating an Interactive Product Using Multimedia Components: Students will be able to develop and demonstrate their creative flair by combining multimedia components to create a vibrant, energetic or stimulating webpage or interactive product.
Written Exam (40%) Externally marked
Unit 1 Living in a Digital World: students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society.
Controlled assessment coursework (60%) Teacher assessed and Edexcel moderated
Unit 2 Using Digital Tools: In this practical unit students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts.
Unit 01: Computer Systems (Exam worth 40%. Written paper)
Unit 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Exam worth 40%. Written paper)
Unit 03/04: Programming Project (Coursework 20% Programming Project)
The ICT rooms are available at lunchtimes and after school for pupils to develop their knowledge and skills as well as giving them the opportunity to complete work for other subject areas. There are plans for pupils to experience ICT in the world of work with trips to Media City in Salford and New York City. There are also two specialists clubs running after school. The computer club allows pupils to study the science behind building a computer and programming. The photography club allows pupil to develop their artistic flair and photo editing skills.