ICT

 

The ICT department has developed a programme of study which reflects the transition

to computing in the new National Curriculum. The scheme of work is modern,

challenging and considers recent developments and current affairs in the subject.

It also provides a firm foundation for pupils who return to main stream education.

New topics such as programming give pupils the opportunity to express their creativity

and test their problem-solving skills, as well as extend their learning independently.

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Key Stage 3 Pupils

 

Each year in Key Stage 3 pupils will study a number of distinct modules covering a

variety of topics which will develop their technical understanding of computing. Pupils

cover a wide-ranging programme of study which further develops skills learned at

primary school as well as introducing a range of new ones.

 

Pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of

 

•  Website development

•  Spreadsheets

•  Movie making and Animation

•  Fundamentals of computing

•  Practical use of Office applications

 

Pupils will also be educated in the wider social aspects of the subject, including how to

use the internet safely. The curriculum is continually evolving as new technologies become

available.

 

Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils will develop practical ICT and computing skills as well as

team-work, communication, problem-solving, presentation skills and the ability to reflect on

and evaluate their own work and that of others.

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In Year 7 pupils will study:

• E-safety and cyber bullying

• Health and safety in ICT

• Spreadsheets

• Databases

• Multimedia design

• Introduction to programming

 

• Year 8 builds on the work in Year 7 and pupils will learn the following:

• How computers work (computer hardware and software)

• Website design

• Use of ICT within the business environment

• Developing programming skills

• Databases

• Computer animation and movie making

• Emerging technologies

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In Year 9 pupils are prepared for the Year 10/11 Creative iMedia course by completing

a set of projects which will allow them to acquire a range of skills and develop concepts

including:

 

• Introduction to Creative iMedia and Pre-production skills

• Evaluating and designing web applications

• Producing and editing all types of media

• Spreadsheet modelling

• System design

• Computer components

• How software works

 

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Key Stage 4 Pupils - Creative iMedia 

 

What is Creative iMedia?

Creative and Digital Media plays an important part in many areas of our everyday lives and is also an important part of the UK economy. There is a demand from employers for an increasingly skilled and technically literate workforce as more and more media products are produced digitally. Creative iMedia provides students with specific and transferable skills and a solid foundation in understanding and applying this subject, whether it is in employment or higher education.

 

What will students learn and how is this assessed?

The first two modules are mandatory; these are followed by two ‘optional’ units, with topics chosen by the teacher from a range specified by the exam board.

 

Module 1: Pre-production skills

The first module will enable learners to understand pre-production skills used in the creative and digital media sector.

How it is assessed

• External written paper: 1 hour 15 mins

• Set and marked by OCR

• 25% of the overall grade 

 

Module 2: Creating digital graphics

The second module will build on the skills, knowledge and understanding gained. The aim of this unit is for students to understand the basics of digital graphics editing for the creative and digital media sector.

How it is assessed

• Centre-assessed tasks: approximately 10 hours

• OCR moderated

• 25% of the overall grade

 

Modules 3 & 4: Optional Units (two to be chosen by teacher)

• Creating 2D and 3D digital characters

• Creating a digital sound sequence

• Storytelling with a comic strip

• Creating a digital video sequence

• Creating a multi-page website

• Creating a digital animation

• Creating interactive multimedia products

• Digital photography

• Designing a game concept

• Developing digital games

 

How it is assessed

• Coursework centre-assessed tasks: approximately 10 hours

• OCR moderated

• 50% of the overall grade

 

How will students be taught?

Students will be taught by a mixture of whole-class teaching, individual practical tasks and group work. We hope to make some links with industry experts with the possibility of field trips to some relevant locations to the coursework.

Examination board & course type

OCR – Cambridge National Certificate

 
What can studying this subject lead to?

There are many things students can go on to do with this qualification; the course provides them with a range of skills to progress further in their education. Students could go on to take an A level in Media or Computer Science, or a vocational A level in ICT. This qualification, if further studied, can also provide employment opportunities in the IT or media sector.

 
Teacher to contact for further information

Mr G Fell