Information and Communication Technology.

In today’s world, individuals will increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process, and manipulate data. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy. The impact of ICT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the Internet grows, so does the need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies effectively. As well as the rapid development of new technologies that gather, organise, and share information, familiar technologies like television, telephone and computers are evolving and being expanded by digitised information, causing a convergence of technologies. Although the technologies in use are constantly developing, ICT aims to give students an understanding of the underlying techniques and a critical awareness of how they can be used.

In today’s workplace, those with the knowledge and skills to use ICT creatively have the opportunity to pursue new and exciting careers, with whole industries emerging around the ICT revolution. ICT provides new opportunities for learning as well as changing the way in which we work. Traditional unskilled jobs are disappearing, while new areas of economic activity, such as multimedia production, are growing rapidly.

An overview of what we offer for each year group (click on a qualification for more details)

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8)

We provide an accelerated programme of study at Key Stage 3, allowing our students to take their GCSE course a year early. Work follows the National Curriculum but we place a particular emphasis on developing independence and project management skills through a project-based approach. This means that students will be expected to work individually and in groups over extended periods. This approach is important in preparation for their GCSE work but is also invaluable in developing ‘real world’ skills of independence, initiative, team work and time management. For more details please click here.

GCSE (Years 9 & 10)

All girls follow OCR’s ICT ‘B’ syllabus in Years 9 & 10. At the end of Year 9 they receive a 'short course' certificate worth half a GCSE, but all girls usually go on to complete a second year of study in Year 10 and gain a full GCSE. Each year’s study comprises an extended practical project worth 60% of that year’s work. The examined component includes a multiple choice paper on the use of typical ‘Office’ applications in Y9 and, in Year 10, a written exam paper based around a case study.

Girls do not currently study ICT in Year 11 unless they have chosen the Computing option (see below) or iMedia.

AS level Computing (option in Years 10 & 11)

In Years 10 & 11, in place of one of their GCSE options, girls can choose to study AS level Computing. Again, we follow OCR’s syllabus for this qualification. Computing is a more technical subject than ICT, being concerned with how computers work as well as how they are used. At present about 30 students a year take this option and teaching is arranged in smaller groups, as is normal for A level.

AS Computing is examined through two written papers. One paper examines aspects of theory whilst the other is more focused on the world of programming. Although the second paper does not include any actual coding, a significant proportion of time will be spent in learning a modern programming language so that students have the experience and terminology to access the subject effectively.

Although students will be in Years 10 & 11, this is an A level course and students will be expected to develop an increasingly mature attitude towards their studies.

A level ICT (option in Years 12 & 13)

We follow the OCR syllabus: Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Information and Communication Technology. The aim of the AS GCE specification is to encourage students to develop an understanding of the principles of problem solving using ICT and the range of applications of ICT and the effects of their use, and to apply this understanding when developing ICT solutions to problems. Students develop an understanding of systems analysis and design, methods of implementation, testing and documentation.

The AS level course is assessed through one written theory paper (60%) and a practical module comprising a series of set tasks that are submitted as coursework.

At A2 there is a further theory paper and a substantial coursework project based on a real-world problem of the student’s choice. Again, marks for these modules are weighted 60/40%.

The course offers students the opportunity of visiting businesses in order to see real-life ICT systems in operation. Demonstrations of various pieces of software, the use of CDs, and the internet as a research tool are part of the course content. Students are expected to bring their own experiences and enthusiasm with them into the classroom!

For additional information relating to the topics taught in each year and useful websites, please click here