ICT and Computing

Staffing

• Mr H Machin (Head of Department)
• Mr Y Aliouche
• Mr G Holmes
• Mr B Davidson
• Mr T Shanker
• Mr J Corner

Key Stage 3:

In Key Stage 3 pupils cover a wide range of topics which follow the National Startegy although the actual resources and scheme used is that of the ICT Framework Solutions published by Nelson Thornes. ICT Framework Solutions provides a different way of teaching the QCA units which will deliver all you need for Key Stage 3 ICT.

The course covers the main aspects of ICT each year and develops and builds on the previous years skills and achievements

Assessment within the course is done formally at the end of each of the units and provides an accurate picture of a pupils progress through the year. In addition to the end of unit assessment we also use assessments which determine a pupil?s improvement during the course of a unit.

We use range of techniques for assessment during the year form formal written tests to online tests and classwork/homework assessments.

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Key Stage 4:

Key stage 4 is very new and exciting for us as it is just starting this year. All pupils in the school will study ICT to GCSE or equivalent. There are two courses being run initially, OCR Specification A GCSE ICT and Digital Applications.

OCR Specification A GCSE ICT:

1 GCSE Grade available from A*- G.

This is a GCSE award which covers many aspects of ICT, it has a 60% coursework -40% examination weighting. Assessment of the coursework is done internally and moderated externally and the examination is marked externally.

Digital Applications:

Pass, Merit, Credit or Distinction awards available for 1,2 or 4 GCSE equivalent.

This is a vocational course which pupils can achieve an Award (AiDA), Certificate (CiDA) or Diploma (DiDA) in Digital Applications. These are equivalent to 1 (AiDA), 2 (CiDA) or 4 (DiDA) GCSEs. Pupils work is assessed through their production of an e-portfolio.

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AS Level

Computing

Computing is an introduction to the fascinating world of computers, whose prominent role in business is well illustrated by the ever-growing number of mission-critical applications. Although it is a subject that is taught against a rapidly changing background, the basic principles remain the same.

The subject is diverse and has links with many disciplines such as: Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Telecommunications, Linguistics and Psychology. Just like other disciplines/subjects, there is a good mixture of theory and practice.

Do you want to learn how application/system software is designed and constructed or why geographically dispersed computers can communicate and exchange data? Study Computing and you will cover topics like Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Communication Networks, Hardware Devices and Machine Architecture.

After completing AS/A2 in Computing, for which GCSE grade A/B in Mathematics is required, you may pursue a university course in Computer Science/Software Engineering or seek employment in any computer-related industry.

Module 1 CPT1 (AS)

• The contents of this module include:
• Programming (Pascal and VBA)
• Computer Systems
• Information and Data Representation
• Communication and Networking

Module 2 CPT2 (AS)

• The contents of this module include:
• Applications and Effects
• Files and Databases
• Operating Systems
• Hardware Devices

Module 3 CPT3 (AS)

• Set by the examining board, the coursework requires at least two skills of:
• Analysing
• Designing
• Implementing
• Testing
• Evaluating

Module 4 CPT4 (A2)

• The contents of this module include:
• Machine operation
• Assembly language
• Programming Concepts
• Data Representation in Computers
• Standard algorithms
• Operating Systems Concepts

Module 5 CPT5 (A2)

• The contents of this module include:
• Systems Development
• Applications and Effects
• Files and Databases
• Hardware Devices
• Networking

Module 6 CPT6 (A2)

• A student-chosen project to demonstrate the skills of:
• Analysing
• Designing
• Implementing
• Testing
• Documenting
• Evaluating

It is a substantial computer-based solution developed over an extended period of time.

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