Information & Communication Technology
In Key Stage 3, students follow the ICT National Strategy, preparing them for SATs in Year 9 and also for their GCSE. The strategy develops upon ICT skills using the Microsoft Office package, website design and control and monitoring.
Year 7
Topics:
Unit 1 - Multimedia Presentation: this is a bridging with feeder primary schools where pupils are required to create a Powerpoint presentation about themselves
Unit 2 - Information and presentations: pupils are required to use a variety of search mechanisms to explore the potential of ICT based information sources and present their findings
Unit 3 - Processing text and images: pupils will be preparing a newsletter for the school in small groups, they gather, process and output information in text and image using Microsoft Publisher
Unit 4 - Models - Investigations: in this unit, pupils learn how simple models are built by investigating rules
Unit 5 - Data Handling: in this unit pupils consider the information that they need in order to collect appropriate data to test a hypothesis
Unit 6 - Control - Input/Output: pupils learn about control technology through modelling the work of a car park barrier
Year 8
Topics:
Unit 1- Information Systems: pupils will collate data from a variety of sources to develop a daily information service about weather
Unit 2 - Publishing on the Web - pupils learn how to develop and build an interactive web page about the school
Unit 3 - Reliability of information: pupils use the Internet to gather information on a particular topic, collate it and present it from a particular viewpoint
Unit 4 - Use and misuse of data: pupils investigate the large scale use of data by commercial organisations
Unit 5 - Integrating applications: pupils work as a team to set up, organise and run a fundraising event that must make a profit
Year 8 have two lessons a week, in one lesson they follow the National Strategy, and in the second week alongside the Technology department on a team project to develop the Loxley Valley Site.
Year 9
Topics:
Unit 1 - Control systems: pupils explore ICT systems through the scenario of designing a new water ride in a theme park
Unit 2 - Interpreting data: pupils are given a topic to investigate within school, where they must collect the data and then analyse their findings, then present to a group of people
Unit 3 - Systems project: pupils will design to develop the skills needed to carry out a project systemically. The project is to design a front of house ticketing system for a theatre
Key Stage 4
It is compulsory for all pupils to follow an ICT qualification, every pupil will gain an award in digital application, which is equivalent to one GCSE. Pupils can also choose to follow ICT as an option where they will gain a certificate in digital application, equivalent to two GCSEs. Pupils can opt to follow either an enterprise or multimedia route.
Departmental Staff Members
Subject Leader: Miss R Moore
Teaching Staff: Miss C Boswell, Mr P Johansson