ICT, Business Studies and Law

ICT AND BUSINESS STUDIES

Information Communication Technology (Key Stage 3)

Information and communication technology (ICT) is more vital now than ever. We must ensure that young people have a knowledge and understanding of hardware and software, and also that they can harness the power of the Internet and the rapidly expanding world of digital communications.

ICT at Key Stage 3 is taught in 60 minute lessons by staff at the Waterleat Road Centre. The majority of discrete ICT is taught in Rooms 14 and 15. Rooms are equipped with sufficient machines for students to use a machine on their own in most cases. The use and control of sound is also a crucial part of the ICT lessons now.

Teaching Units for years 7, 8 and 9:

Year 7
Using ICT:	Selecting and organising content for a presentation Selecting and using appropriate images Using a digital camera to take images Selecting and using appropriate fonts and colour Selecting and using appropriate sounds Modifying the style of a presentation for a different audience Modifying the content of a presentation for a different audience
Using Data and Information Sources	Matching information to purpose Selecting sources and finding relevant information Assessing the reliability of information
Making a Leaflet	Corporate Image Designing a leaflet Creating a logo Capturing images fit for the purpose Creating a folded leaflet
Introduction to Modelling, Presenting Numeric Data	Using a spreadsheet Modelling using a spreadsheet Using a spreadsheet to build a model Refining, understanding and developing a model Ways of presenting data from a spreadsheet
Data Handling	Evaluating and interrogating an existing data set Presenting information in different formats to test hypotheses Designing a questionnaire to collect data Creating a questionnaire and designing and data handling file structure to answer a key question Entering, checking and testing data Drawing conclusions and selecting data to support them
Control and Monitoring	Understanding control in everyday life Using flowchart symbols and writing instructions Using a sensor as a switch in a control model Creating and testing control models Creating an efficient system to monitor an event
Year 8
Control and Monitoring	Understanding and using basic programming Using flowchart symbols and writing instructions Using sensors as switches in a control model Creating and testing control models Creating an efficient system to monitor an event
Publishing on the Web	Introducing the unit and a text mark-up language, HTML Comparing methods of producing web pages Planning the website structure Introducing web page creation, structure and appearance Designing and creating a front page for a section Designing web pages Creating more web pages Completing and evaluating the project
Information: Reliability, Validity and Bias	Criteria for evaluating information Using searches Extending and refining search methods Independent application of new learning: searching and evaluating Introducing the unit Developing a new model Using graphs to model with spreadsheets Investigating models Simulations and models
Year 9
Publishing on the Web	Examining and using basic text mark-up language, HTML, to programme and build a web page Planning the website structure Designing and creating a front page for a section Designing web pages Linking web pages Using tables and layers
Data base	Design a questionnaire and set up a database
Project	Theatre Booking Spreadsheet including a seating plan, booking system and dance floor model
OCR	Prepare and create parts of the Unit 1 course needed for their progress to Year 10

Information Communication Technology (Key Stage 4)

Core ICT

All students follow a core ICT course over 2 hours a week during Years 10 and 11.

The OCR National First Award consists of two units of coursework: ICT for Business and Creating Graphics for a website. (This is equivalent to one GCSE). In year 11 students also have the opportunity to complete Key Skills Level 1 in ICT.

Options:

Students take extra OCR units equivalent to one or two GCSEs to gain either The National Award in ICT or the National First Certificate in ICT. For students who are particularly committed to their studies and are prepared to attend after school classes there is the opportunity to gain The OCR National Certificate in ICT.

KS5 Information Communication Technology

Level 2 iMedia in ICT

Media is the new OCR qualification that delivers creative, digital and interactive skills to arange of learners. The dynamic world of creative interactive media is fast-moving. It requires a work force that is up-to-date and that can respond quickly to change, growth and innovation.

OCRs iMedia qualification can deliver the complete learning package for this market. It is the most valuable tool available to enable specialisation and entry into a wide range of interactive media jobs. This is the ultimate training solution delivered at three levels through the MAPS e-portfolio and will appeal to students of all abilities.

iMedia leads on from everything you may have learnt from gaming and creative new media. It enables you to gain relevant workplace skills and techniques to keep you one step ahead. You can choose to specialise in digital and interactive media areas such as web authoring, 3D game engines, digital animation or interactive multimedia design.

If you’re passionate about creative media, iMedia is for you.

OCR iMedia qualifications will attract those already working in the field or interested in working as web designers, graphic artists, multimedia producers, animators, sound designers and storyboarders.

You don’t need formal qualifications – all you need are basic IT skills, a creative mind and a real passion for digital media.

Increase your knowledge quickly through bite-sized individual units.
Gain real industry skills to help you develop your career.

Level 3 OCR Certificate in ICT (Equivalent to 1 A Level)

The new OCR Nationals in ICT Level 3 offer students an in-depth look at ICT in the modern workplace and teach the skills needed to progress to higher education or employment. It is a natural progression from the OCR Nationals level 2 studied at Key Stage 4. This course is 100% coursework and offers an engaging, practical approach to learning and assessment. Students will study 6 units over the 2 years, including:

Digital Business Communication
Collaborative Working
Problems Solving Using Spreadsheets
Creating a Digital Showcase
Website Design

GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel)

Overview
These exciting specifications give pupils the opportunity to study key areas of business activity. These areas include objectives, organisational ownership and structures, human resource management, accounting, finance, marketing and production. The progressive nature of the course encourages the development of a holistic understanding of Business Studies. They promote the study of business through class work and coursework. These provide candidates with a sound basis for progression to A Levels in Business Studies, Economics and Business Studies or Economics. They help prepare students or employees who have a sound understanding of business and who have the ability to use knowledge, skills and understanding appropriately in the context of the UK and European market.

Summary of Content:

Business Activity and Changing Environment – Examines the objectives of businesses, the changing business environment and the criteria for judging success.
Human Resources – Looks at people in organisations with a focus on their roles, relationships and management in business.
Production – Considers the way organisations use and manage resources to produce goods and services.
Marketing – Looks at identifying and satisfying customer needs in a changing and competitive environment.
Accounting and Finance – Focuses on the use of accounting and financial information as an aid to decision making.

Method of Assessment and Delivery:

Course is assessed by a 2 hour exam (Higher and Foundation entry) worth 75% and a coursework project worth 25%. 66% of time in class will be brainstorming, note taking, group work, written exercises, 34% of class time will be computer based, working on projects and coursework.

Head of ICT/ Business Studies: Mr David Shaw

LAW

AS/A Level

This subject will give an introduction to criminal law with particular reference to non-fatal offences against the person, e.g. assault and battery, and the civil law with particular reference to negligence and liability for physical injury and/or property damage. Due to the popularity of this course it is recommended that students make an early application for a place.

We are also fortunate that Mr P Smith, who runs this course, is also a co-author for both the Exam Boards’ text books.

The presentation of the course will include:

For Year 12 – a trip to the Crown Court at either Exeter or Plymouth to watch a trial or sentencing.
For Year 13 an overnight trip to London to the Houses of Parliament and a meeting with a Court of Appeal judge from the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand.
Various guest speakers to include a Barrister or Solicitor, a Probation Officer and a Crown Court Judge.
Year 12 will enter a national debating competition judged by MPs and take part in a mock trial.

Students should be able to analyse facts and apply the law. Good memory and summary skills are important.

Head of Law: Mr Peter Smith