Information Technologies

ICT

This course provides an excellent basis for further study of ICT and is a definite pathway to our L3 BTEC in IT which we offer in Year 12 and 13. It also provides a firm foundation for many other courses such as Media/Film Studies and Business Studies. The course has a strong emphasis on creativity and ideas and inspiration is a must, but also engages with the technical elements of applications which can be useful in further study (in any field) or in employment.

Computer Science

Students choosing this course must be working towards a Grade 7 in Mathematics.

GCSE Computer Science will introduce you to what goes on behind the scenes, enabling you to understand how the computer actually works when a program is running. GCSE Computer Science is excellent preparation for a Level 3 Computing /ICT course or an ICT Apprenticeships and there is a growing demand for ICT professionals who have programming skills. To enjoy this course, you should be a confident mathematician (target grade of 7-9) who enjoys problem solving and has an enquiring mind-set.

Computer Systems and Programming: Here you will look at how data input into a computer is handled and processed as well as Binary number systems and logic gates. Students will also explore the different types of memory and how it works and examine input, output and storage devices in a computer system.

Core Subject Principles

Dignity and Respect

From the start of KS3 students are given responsibility over their own learning and supported in building their talents and self-esteem within the subject. Looking at the wider world and wider community students have topics that will help them understand how to build positive relationships when communicating with technology and appreciate the diversity that comes with access to technology. Through teamwork topics, students can utilize their teamwork skills and build on their idea of community and democracy through group decision making. There are opportunities throughout KS3 for students to understand how to use technology safely and respectfully whilst respecting other people’s opinions and views.

Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills

Looking at how technology is used by different industries and people, students explore the wider world and are given the opportunity to consider the moral, ethical, and legal aspects of use of technology. Building on students’ curiosity is part of project work and providing students with basic information to transform into unique programs or final pieces gives students the opportunity to flourish. Students are encouraged to question and explore learning in topics with time embedded into topics for tasks that will challenge all students and work through contextual scenarios to apply learning to real world contexts and therefore gain a deeper understanding. Through embedding independence and logical thinking, we aim to provide students with the tools to adapt to different technologies. Opportunities for teamwork provide students with teamwork experience and extended projects allow for students to develop their initiative and organization. The collaboration and problem-solving aspects of the curriculum aim to support whole person development for students.

Hope and Aspiration

Technology is ubiquitous in society, and we aim to enable students to use technology in a positive way and see how it can be used in a supportive role for many people. Looking at social, ethical, and moral use of technology we develop students’ tolerance and understanding of others and address issues in a way that allows students to continue to be positive digital citizens. Through our schemes of learning and extra-curricular provision we want to feed students’ ambitions and help them flourish through the opportunities they are given. Providing students with chances to see technology beyond the classroom and social aspects we aim to help students see the different options of future learning or employment within the technology sector and embed into the subject topics or challenges that provide a platform for students