ICT & Computing

Year 7

• Unit 7.1 Presenting information: Using multimedia products: text, images, sound and video, pupils produce a comprehensive and informative product that develops their skills and understanding of how to present information to a wider audience.
• Unit 7.2 Internet searching and gathering information: Pupils learn about the internet and how to search effectively and efficiently as well as creating forms and questionnaires to gather information.
• Unit 7.3 Creating a leaflet on cyber bullying: Pupils develop a threefold brochure for pupils on the impact of cyber bullying and how to stay safe.
• Unit 7.4 Modelling using spreadsheets: Pupils develop a spreadsheet model to analyse income and expenditure and look at ways of modelling scenarios in order to maximise profit.
• Unit 7.5 Data handling using databases: In this unit pupils use a database to solve a murder mystery. They will use filters, sorts, queries and reports to present their findings.
• Unit 7.6 Programming: Pupils learn some basic programming skills to control everyday devices and create a program a simple electronic game.

Year 8

• Unit 8.1 E-safety and social networking: Pupils look at the benefits and hazards associated with using social networking sites and mobile devices and learn how to keep themselves safe.
• Unit 8.2 Website creation: Pupils will develop a website using computer software, HTML coding and Java script.
• Unit 8.3 Information reliability and bias: Pupils develop their information finding skills by carrying out research into various topics and learn how to manipulate images and videos.
• Unit 8.4 Modelling using spreadsheets: This unit develops their skills in using spreadsheet software using functions, formulas, validation, conditional formatting and goal seek as well as analysing graphs.
• Unit 8.5 Integrating applications Starstruck band management: A variety of software is used to develop, promote and organise the formation of a new band. This will include promotion using video, sound and graphics, word processing and mailmerge as well as creating a spreadsheet to model their accounts.

Year 9

• Unit 9.1 Gruesome Grange Theme Park: Students will design, create and program a new theme park ride. They will also model the costs and revenue for the project producing a report of their findings.
• Unit 9.2 Video creation: Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to review, design, produce and evaluate a video clip which is fit for purpose.
• Unit 9.3 Organising a school trip: Students have the task of organising a school trip. They must provide all the necessary documentation to parents and pupils as well as organising all the relevant activities.

Assessment

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.

Optional (EDXECEL GCSE ICT)

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.

Optional (OCR Computing)

Unit 01: Computer Systems (Exam worth 40%. Written paper)

• Systems Architecture, Memory. Storage
• Wired and wireless networks, Network topologies, protocols & layers
• System security & system software
• Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Unit 02: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (Exam worth 40%. Written paper)

• Algorithms & Data Representation
• Programming techniques
• Producing robust programs
• Computational logic
• Translators and facilities of languages

Unit 03/04: Programming Project (Coursework 20% Programming Project)

• Programming techniques
• Analysis, Design, Testing, Evaluation & Conclusions
• Development