Vision Statement:

Computing/ICT underpins today’s modern lifestyle, it is essential that all pupils gain the confidence and ability that they need in this subject, to prepare them for the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. The use of ICT will also enhance and extend students learning across the whole curriculum whilst contributing to motivation and the development of social skills.

 

Key Stage 3

Assessment and Homework:

Within Year 7, 8 and 9 students will be assessed with end of unit exams which will be in line with GCSE assessment criteria. Students’ flight paths will help determine the score they should be achieving to be on target to achieve their ME. Throughout the year students in KS3 will develop and learn new skills and knowledge within ICT and Computing, completing research and project based work. E-safety also plays a prominent role throughout to keep in line with the changing nature of the world our students are growing up in.
Students will receive feedback to help them understand how to progress within a unit. Students will be expected to respond to feedback in project work. Lesson time will also be used to re-evaluate unit tests.

Grouping:
All KS3 groups are in mixed ability.

 

Key Stage 4

Students opting for a GCSE in either ICT and/or Computer science will be assessed throughout the course by controlled assessments or exam based questions. The feedback they receive for controlled assessments will be limited by the conditions laid down by the examination board in their controlled assessment criteria. Students will have a trial exam which is set at an appropriate time through KS4. Some students may complete the BCS ECDL Level 2 qualification which is assessed through 4 computer based exams. The GCSE’s that are currently available in ICT and Computing are:

• GCSE Computer Science (Year 10 and 11)
• NCFE in I media (Year 10 and 11)

GCSE in Computer science is 100% exam. The NCFE in I media is 40% exam and 60% controlled assessment.

Enrichment/Extension Activities

ICT and Computing Enrichment List:
 Study support at lunch

Careers Information/Next Step

Post 16 Course and qualifications
You can go on to do A-Levels and equivalent qualifications in ICT and Computer Science. These can lead on to University where wide ranges of degrees are available from software engineering, games developer, testing, information systems, computer analyst and many more. Apprenticeships are also a great way of continuing to develop you ICT and Computing skills.

Careers
Most careers require some knowledge and skills in ICT. Specific careers include:
Database analyst, computer and information systems manager, web marketing manager, information security analyst, computer support specialist, IT consultant, IT trainer, IT sales professional, ICT Secondary school teacher.

Computing Careers include:
APP developer, games programmer, web developer, visual effects engineer/developer, graphic designer, software Quality Assurance (QA) / Testing, Software Systems Engineer, E-Commerce Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Network Analyst or Network Engineer, Wireless Engineer, Database Administrator, Software Developer, Telecommunications Manager, Network Security Administrator.

Contact information
Kathryn Siviter
Learning Director of Technology
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Ben Hollingshurst
Deputy Learning Director of Technology
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