ICT
Technology is all around us and is developing at a rapid pace that shows no signs of slowing down.
Computer systems engulf our everyday lives and routines: from our work, leisure, social interactions and general communication. The 21st century has made it almost as important to be digitally literate as it is to be literate.
To thrive in the modern world, it is essential that we understand how technology works and its impact on our lives and therefore it is crucial that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to embrace technology and utilise it in an appropriate and responsible manner.
Metaphorically speaking, the world has never been so small. Our lives are closer and more intertwined than ever before: the other side of the world is accessible in a nanosecond by a simple touch of a button. As global citizens we need to be discerning of the information available, be able to interpret it critically in a moral and ethical way.
About the Department
In ICT students have successfully achieved fantastic results, exceeding the national average. In ICT we are implementing the National Curriculum for Key Stage 3, consisting of 3 strands, ICT, Digital Literacy and Computing. This is part of the government’s support for schools as we strive to raise targets and aid progression in ICT & Computing from Key Stage 2.
Progression from studying IT
From studying IT or Computer Science at KS4, you can go on to study Computer Science A-Level or IT BTEC. This can lead to studying all sorts of subjects at University or onto exciting computer science based apprenticeships. For example:
- App Developer;
- Computer Games Developer;
- Cyber Intelligence Officer;
- Forensic Computer Analyst;
- Robotics Engineer Software Developer.
Check out the range of apprenticeships here for which you need good computer science skills or take a look at some more information about computer science based degrees here.
Studying Computer Science can lead you to study a wide variety of subjects at University. Such as:
- Computer Arts;
- Game Development;
- Creative Computing (Web Technologies).
Have a look at the UCAS website to see how many different combinations you can do.
Key Stage 3
Three hours over two weeks are allocated to this subject in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9. This is sufficient time for pupils to maintain and increase their knowledge, skills, and understanding of ICT, Digital Literacy and Computing. This is supplemented by opportunities for pupils to apply and develop their ICT capability in other subjects.
Throughout KS3 students will learn about: Digital Literacy; Online Safety; Spreadsheets; Databases; Networks; Hardware; Software; Web Design; Digital Graphics; Animation; Binary; Control; Data Representation; Computational Thinking; Programming using Scratch, Kodu & Python; Image & Sound Manipulation.
Key Stage 4
In Year 10 and Year 11 students can opt to follow the OCR Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia and this is delivered over 5 hours each week.
The knowledge gained from this qualification would be useful in a variety of careers and further education placements. The iMedia is effective preparation for a range of qualifications including Cambridge Technicals – IT Level 3 or Digital Media Level 3 (these are OCR vocational qualifications that offer an alternative to A levels for students aged 16+).
The OCR Cambridge National Certificate in Creative iMedia comprises 4 Units:
Mandatory Units
R081: Pre-production skills
This unit is assessed externally through a 1 hour 15-minute written exam and makes up 25% of the total qualification.
R082: Creating digital graphics
This is internally assessed and makes up 25% of the total qualification
Optional Units
R084: Storytelling with a comic strip
R085: Creating a multipage website
These units are internally assessed and make up 50% of the total qualification.