ICT

Curriculum timetable:

All students in Year 7,8 and 9 have ICT once a week.

Curriculum overview:

Year 7

Unit 1 – E-Safety

Unit 2 – Hardware and software

Unit 3 - Finding and Presenting information

Unit 4 - Scratch

Year 8

Unit 1 - Flowcharts and understanding computers

Unit 2 - Spreadsheets

Unit 3 -  Python Programming

Unit 4 - Mobile Applications

Year 9 

Unit 1 – Game design

Unit 2 – Python Programming

Unit 3 – 3D Gaming programming

Unit 4 – TV advertisement project

KS3 information:

Key stage 3 – Computer Science

Students will learn new software skills and programming languages, applying what they have learnt through milestone tasks, similar to those at KS4, in order to better prepare them for the demands of GCSE work. Students will mostly work independently, monitoring their progress and showcasing their achievements electronically, though collaboration is encouraged through peer teaching and effective communication with partners and groups. We are working to develop our language for learning and embed 5* learning skills into every lesson. 

Key stage 4 – GCSE iMedia

GCSE information: iMedia 

Students will study different aspects of media. Whilst graphics is compulsory, other units may include multimedia, video, audio, business documents etc. Students will learn the importance of planning documents in media creation. 

Key stage 4 – iMedia

For this qualification, students must achieve three units: one externally assessed and two Non Examined Assessment (NEA) units.

Key to units for this qualification: M = Mandatory Students must achieve this unit O = Optional Students must achieve one of these units E = External assessment We set and mark the exam N = NEA You assess this and we moderate it

What will you study as part of the qualification?

You will study 2 mandatory units and choose 1 optional unit.

The two mandatory units are:

Unit R093: Creative iMedia in the media industry This is assessed by taking an exam. In this unit you will learn about the media industry, digital media products, how they are planned, and the media codes which are used to convey meaning, create impact and engage audiences.

Topics include:

The media industry
Factors influencing product design
Pre-production planning
Distribution considerations
Unit R094: Visual identity and digital graphics This is assessed by completing a set assignment. In this unit you will learn to how to develop visual identities for clients and use the concepts of graphic design to create original digital graphics to engage target audiences. Topics include:
Develop visual identity
Plan digital graphics for products
Create visual identity and digital graphics

Key stage 4 – Computer Science

OCR GCSE Computer Science (J276)

This qualification counts towards the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).

OCR’s GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science will encourage learners to:

Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation

Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs

Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically

Understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems

Understand the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society

Apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science

The course is made up of three components, two being theory based and one a practical, programming project:

Component 1 – Computer Systems (50%) 1hr 30min exam:
Systems Architecture
Memory
Storage
Wired and wireless networks
Network topologies, protocols and layers
System security
System software
Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Component 2 – Computational thinking, algorithms and programming (50%) 1hr 30min exam:
Algorithms
Programming techniques
Producing robust programs
Computational logic
Translators and facilities of languages
Data representation

Component 3 – Programming Project (20 hours in class): This component doesn’t count towards the overall qualification, but is a formal requirement and consolidates the learning across the specification through practical activity:

Programming techniques
Analysis
Design
Development
Testing and evaluation and conclusions

How to prepare for GCSE

Students will be encouraged to practice the programming project at home. They will need to practice past exam papers on a regular basis. Attend revision sessions before school.

A-level and Beyond:

OCR Computing, AS and A2 Level GCE

Offered as an option in years 12 and 13, five lessons per week, comprising one coursework unit and three exams.

The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the organisation of a computer system (including hardware, software, data, communications and people), the greater consequences of using computers (including social, legal and ethical issues) and to be able to apply the understanding and knowledge to solve a range of problems through discussion, reports, programming and using existing software.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology

This qualification is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT.

This qualification consists of four units:

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems: (Year 13) This unit is externally assessed through a written examination. The examination is two hours in length. Learners will be assessed on their understanding of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information: (Year 12) Learners study the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information. This unit is externally assessed through a task set. The set task will be completed under supervised conditions for 10 hours in a one-week period.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business: (Year 12) Learners explore how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. Learners also implement social media activities in a business to meet requirements.

Unit 6: Website Development: (Year 13) Learners investigate website development principles. They will design and develop a website using scripting languages. Learners will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript.