ICT

Information 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 50 minute lessons by staff at the Waterleat Road Centre. The majority of discreet ICT is taught in Rooms 7 and 17. Rooms are equipped with sufficient machines for students to use a machine on their own.

Teaching Units for years 7 and 8:

Year 7
Using ICT:	Selecting and organising content for a presentation Selecting and using appropriate 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 and developing a model Ways of presenting data from a spreadsheet
Data Handling	Evaluating and interrogating an existing data set Presenting infomration 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
Public Information systems	Revising datalogging, sensors and data representation Using and displaying live data Planning and creating a simple public information system Automating processes in a simple information system Meeting the needs of the user
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 foa 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
Project Database Project	Outlining the design of a new Water Park Ride Design a questionnaire and set up a database Theatre Booking Spreadsheet including a seating plan, booking system and dance floor model

KS4 Information Communication Technology

Core

All students follow a core ICT course over a 2 periods a week for 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.

Option

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 OCR National ICT

Level 3 AQA Applied ICT GCE

AS – three mandatory units; Unit 1 ICT in Society is assessed by a practical task carried out under controlled conditions, Unit 2 ICT in organisations and Unit 3 Data handling are assessed by centres through coursework.

A2 – two mandatory units: Unit 10 Spreadsheets is assessed by a practical task carried out under controlled conditions, Unit 8 Project Management is assessed by centres through coursework. The option unit, Unit 14 Multi media is also assessed by centres through coursework.

Business Studies

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.

Qualification
As a traditional GCSE grades can range from A* - G.

Acting Head of ICT/ Business Studies: Mr B Rodgers