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Information and Communication Technology
The ICT department aims to achieve the following in the delivery of the ICT curriculum:
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To encourage all students to gather, store, present and communicate information through a broad range of ICT systems
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To develop a broad and balanced view of the range of applications of ICT systems
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To develop both hardware and software skills in a range of contexts
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Encourage students to solve problems through the use of ICT systems and associated principles and techniques
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Promote an awareness of what characterizes information, information processing and ICT systems
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Promote an awareness of ethical, social, economic and political consequences of the use of ICT for individuals, organizations and society as a whole, through the study of relevant applications.
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To deliver the curriculum using a variety of teaching approaches and learning activities.
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To encourage students to transfer ICT skills across the curriculum
The department works within the framework of the UK national curriculum to ensure that students learn ICT at an appropriate level. During KS3 students should become independent users of ICT tools and become focused, rigorous and efficient in their application of these tools. Those students who opt for GCSE ICT, thereby moving on to KS4, are involved in choosing, designing and implementing ICT solutions for other people to use.
Key Stage 3 (Saltus 7 - 9)
Over the Key Stage students cover the following topics:
Using ICT; Information and Presentation; Processing text and images; Models: rules and investigations; Data: designing structure, capturing and presenting data; Control: input, process and output; Public Information Systems; Publishing on the web; Information: reliability, validity and bias; Data: use and misuse; Systems: integrating applications to find solutions; Control Systems; Basic Information Technology: Hardware and software; Systems: managing a project.
Key Stage 4 (Saltus 10 and Saltus 11)
GCSE - ICT (Specification)
GCSE: Edexcel GCSE Information and communication Technology (ICT) is a modern specification that recognizes the essential practical nature of the subject area.
Students experience a range of practical activities from which a body of skills and knowledge will develop. The learning context of this specification is based upon the four Strands of Progression as defined in the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study.
These strands are:
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Finding things out
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Developing ideas and making things happen
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Exchanging and sharing information
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Reviewing, modifying and evaluating work as it progresses.
The Graduate Years
AP - Computer Science A
The Advanced Placement Computer Science A curriculum emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. It is the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in Computer Science. It includes the study of data structures, design, and abstraction. There are no computing prerequisites for the AP course. It is designed to serve as a first course in computer science for students with no prior computing experience.
Because the development of computer programs to solve problems is a skill fundamental to the study of computer science, a large part of the course is built around the development of computer programs or parts of programs that correctly solve a given problem. The course also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable and, when appropriate, reusable. At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications. In addition, an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course.
Non-AP -Communications and Information Systems (CIS)
The Graduate Years CIS program of study is designed to give students an understanding of both general computer theory together with practical experience in several key areas of both information communication technology and computer science.
Throughout the first year students will gain an insight into how organizations depend on information systems to facilitate their functionality in all areas. The course also focuses on how the different components of an information system within an organization are interconnected and also how the system interacts with other information systems externally.
With this knowledge through taught exercises and assignments, students learn how to develop spreadsheets and databases using the advanced features of Microsoft’s Excel and Access. Further to this students will learn how to develop their own windows based applications using Visual Basic 2005 programming language.
During the second year students will learn the theoretical elements of computer networking and also be taught the practical aspects of setting up a small server based network and maintaining it. The final part of the course covers multi-media systems where students will be taught how to develop a website encompassing E-commerce, which will include Flash animation and digital imaging.
Focus will be given throughout the two years on connecting the different areas together, for example linking a visual basic program with Access and also a website with a database.
Further Information
If you would like to read any further information regarding the GCSE or AP curricula outlined within this site please visit either of the following examination board web sites: -
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