IT Curriculum. Key Stage 1. Year 1

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1 IT Curriculum Key Stage 1 Year 1 Students are introduced to logging onto a computer, learning how to retrieve work and save work, how to change text, colour, font size and font, how to use bold and underline button, how to use back and forward arrows to revisit, enter and edit text. Students gain expertise in handling data and using software such as 2Paint-a-Picture by creating images. Students use Bee-bot Roamer, websites to find information (Barnaby Bear), send and receive simple s and retrieve information from websites (Victorians). They also explore a music program. Year 2 Learning is reinforced and developed by looking at the use of Function keys, students typing their own opening for a story, creating a musical phase (2Compose), research using CD ROMs on Science materials and the history of Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale. Students improve skills creating pictures using Roamer producing direction instructions for Roamer, and creating databases for plants and animals. Key Stage 2 Year 3 Students learn how to combine text and graphics: how to create graphics and develop expertise. They will also learn how to find information using a CD Rom and carry out research on rocks and soil. Further research includes: Ancient Greeks, internet researching weather, and improved data collection. Year 4 The tasks used to develop skills include: writing for different audiences; reproducing a newspaper using a variety of written and visual effects, using font and effects appropriately, and cutting and pasting to re-order text to produce a factual article. Developing images and repeating patterns: modelling effects on screen; collecting and presenting information; producing a Photo Story and add World War 2 photos to a new project; order and crop them; add text and alter; use effects to change appearance of some photos; add music; develop experience in branching, data bases with keys; use of camera and film; digital Blue New Record, students explaining something they know about film making; show understanding of functions of the camera; produce a movie A village life in India.

2 Year 5 Skills in collecting and presenting Information are extended to the use of PowerPoint. Evaluating Information is improved by investigating how to research and use the Internet effectively (linked to History Topic- Vikings). Introduction to Spreadsheets helps further in the collecting and presenting of information. Students create an effective PowerPoint and Photostory. Monitoring: students use skills in Environmental changes and conditions producing weather and climate data, spreadsheet graphs, graphic modelling; analysing data and asking questions - creating and using databases. Experience in using controlling devices - Logo. Year 6 Using the internet to search and interpret large databases. esafety Multimedia presentation (Through Ancient Egypt content) Selecting appropriate devices for the audience Animations for effect, not fun Spreadsheets (Through weather and science data) Simple formulae Cells affecting each other Spreadsheet modelling (through weather and science data) Graphical representations of data Complex formulae Control and monitoring How inputs can effect outputs (link to Engineering Lego, Mindstorms)

3 Key Stage 3 All students are taught a variety of skills in Years 7-9 to best develop their IT competencies across the curriculum. Students learn how to make effective use of more traditional ICT areas such as Spreadsheets and Databases, but they are also encouraged to be creative through the use of Web Authoring and Multimedia packages. The ICT Department is also aware of the government s changes to the ICT curriculum and has introduced computer programming elements including Scratch, HTML, VBA and Python. KS3 ICT does not just focus on the practical skills required to be successful in ICT, but time is devoted to focus on the legal, social and ethical issues of using ICT, and this helps to ensure that all learners use ICT responsibly. Year 7 In Year 7, each class is taught ICT at a level and pace according to the ability level of the students. All students are taught the National Curriculum for ICT which includes the following strands: Finding Information; Developing Ideas; Communicating Information and Evaluating Work. Through the development of these strands students are taught the functional skills required to use the Microsoft Office suite as well as other common programs in a way that will develop their critical thinking skills. Over the course of the year students have demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of Publisher, Excel, Word, Access and website development using Serif Page Plus. Students are now being given the relevant basic skills and understanding to progress well in ICT throughout the Academy. Year 8 In Year 8, each class is taught ICT at a level and pace according to the ability level of the students. All students are taught the National Curriculum for ICT which includes the following strands: Finding Information; Developing Ideas; Communicating Information and Evaluating Work. Through the development of these learning strands, students are taught the functional skills required to use the Microsoft Office suite of programs as well as other common programs in a way that will develop their critical thinking skills. Students are also encouraged to consider the dangers of using ICT and how to stay safe when working online. Year 9 In Year 9, each class is taught Information Communication Technology at a level and pace according to the ability level of the student. All students are taught the National Curriculum for ICT which includes developing ideas, communicating information, finding information and evaluating work. This has been done through various topics such as Database Systems, Graphics, Spreadsheets, Programming and Multimedia Development. Students will build on their ability to effectively communicate through the use of the most appropriate computer software packages.

4 Key Stage 4 GCSE ICT Students follow the Edexcel GCSE ICT course, which requires them to complete an external examination (worth 40%) and a piece of controlled assessment work (worth 60%). The students complete their controlled assessment work during Year 10 and sit their examination in Year 11. Course Description and Skills GCSE ICT is a course designed to introduce students to current and emerging technologies and their impact on individuals, organisations and society. This GCSE will equip students with some of the main skills needed in the workplace or further education. The purpose of this GCSE is to enhance students development through a range of ICT tools and techniques; therefore they will be able to develop ICT ideas and solve problems. The nature of the course allows students to develop many key skills such as thinking creatively, logically and critically. This is due to students having to find, select and evaluate information for its relevance, value, accuracy and plausibility. Students success on the course requires motivation and a dedication to achieving their personal best Assessment Arrangements GCSE ICT is assessed by both written examination and controlled assessments. The course comprises of two core units: Unit 1: Living in a Digital World (Examination 40%) In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. It is focused on current and emerging digital technology and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and e-learning, leisure, shopping, money management, health and wellbeing, and on the move). Unit 2: Using Digital Tools (Controlled Assessment 60%) In this unit students will broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capabilities. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. They learn to reflect critically on their own and others use of ICT to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

5 GCSE Business Studies Students follow the Edexcel GCSE Business Studies course, which requires them to complete two external examinations (worth 50% and 25%) and a piece of controlled assessment (worth 25%). The students complete their controlled assessment work over the course of Year 10 and 11 and sit their examinations at the end of Year 11. Course Description and Skills GCSE Business is a course designed to introduce students to the world of work in the context of building up and investigating business opportunities. This will then aid in equipping them with many of the skills they will need in the workplace or in further education. The purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of business through the investigation of a range of business organisations. The nature of the course allows students to develop many key skills such as independence in time management, personal organisation and action planning. Students success on the course requires motivation and a dedication to achieving their personal best. Assessment Arrangements Controlled Assessment Controlled Assessment Written Examination Unit 1 Introduction to Small Business: 25% This unit concentrates on the key issues and skills involved in enterprise. It provides a framework to consider the marketing, financial, human and operational issues involved in starting and running a business. This unit is assessed through a controlled assessment. Unit 2 Investigating Small Business: 25% In this unit students will build on the content of Unit 1 to research, analyse and evaluate a selected task on enterprise. This unit will be assessed through a controlled assessment. Unit 3 Building a Business: 50% This unit builds on both Units 1 and 2 and examines how a business develops beyond its startup phase. It focuses on practical methods used to build up a business, with an emphasis on aspects of marketing, customer service, financial and management. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the success or failure of a business. This unit is assessed by a 90 minute written examination.

6 BTEC I&CT The new BTEC I&CT course is a mixture of coursework and an external test which can be completed any time during the qualification. Students must complete two mandatory units worth 60 credits, plus an additional unit(s) worth another 60 credits. BTEC Firsts in I&CT Course Description and Skills The BTEC Firsts in Information and Creative Technology have been developed to inspire and enthuse learners to become technology savvy to become producers of technology and computer-based products and systems, rather than just consumers of them. This involves learners creating technology-based products or systems. Assessment Arrangements Candidates are assessed through coursework and external assessment. The course consists of one core unit and one optional unit, as well as a digital portfolio of work: Unit 1: The online world Unit 13: Website Development This unit provides an introduction to the underpinning knowledge and understanding of how the internet and worldwide web work, and how to use them. The technology focus is on communicating online, computer networks and websites. This unit will help prepare learners for the next phase of the internet revolution, the internet of objects. This unit provides an introduction to the underpinning knowledge and understanding of how websites work and the factors which must be considered in their development. Students will gain an understanding of the different types of websites that are available, their different uses and the targeted users. This unit will provide students with the necessary skills to develop their own professional websites. Unit 3: A Digital Portfolio All students also complete a further mandatory core unit, which is internally assessed. It provides learners with an opportunity to showcase to prospective educational institutions and employers their work from the BTEC I&CT course.

7 Computing Course Description and Skills GCSE Computing is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and what goes on behind the scenes. The course enables students to develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies, understanding how they work and how to apply this knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts. Assessment Arrangements Unit 1: Computer Systems and programming (Examination 40%) This unit covers the body of knowledge about computer systems on which the examination will be based. Unit 2: Practical Investigation (Practical Investigation 30%) This unit is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to carry out a practical investigation into a computing issue and engage them with computing in the real world. This unit is assessed by students choosing a practical investigation from a range of projects provided by the awarding body. Unit 3: Programming project (Controlled Assessment - 30%) This unit is assessed by students creating solutions to a series of problems provided by the awarding body.

8 Functional Skills ICT Year 11 In Year 11, each core ICT class continues to follow the Functional Skills ICT course. This is a very practical course which was designed to provide students with the ICT and problem solving skills desired in industry. The course covers Spreadsheets, Desktop Publishing, Internet and Communication, File Management and Evaluating ICT Tools. Students will be sitting a practical exam as part of this qualification and all students who pass Functional Skills ICT will be awarded the equivalent of half a GCSE.

9 Key Stage 5 A Level ICT Students follow the AQA A Level ICT course, which requires them to complete four externally assessed units over the two year duration of the course. The course has an even 50/50 split between the AS and A2 units. ICT AS Outline A2 Outline Unit 1 focuses on solving the everyday ITrelated problems which organisations encounter and this unit is assessed through a combination of coursework and an external examination, totalling 25% of the overall A Level qualification. Unit 3 focuses on the importance of information to large organisations and how ICT systems can be used to provide it. This unit is assessed through an external examination and pre-release work, totalling 30% of the overall A Level qualification. Unit 2 focuses on how different users of IT make use of technology and the social, ethical and legal implications associated with these technologies. Unit 2 is also worth 25% of the overall A Level qualification and this unit is assessed through an external examination. Unit 4 gives students the opportunity to get involved in a real or realistic situation where they can use their skills, knowledge and understanding to solve a problem for a client. This unit is internally assessed and is worth 20% of the overall A Level qualification. A Level Business Studies Students follow the AQA A Level Business Studies course, which requires them to complete four externally assessed units over the two year duration of the course. The course has an even 50/50 split between the AS and A2 units. BTEC ICT Students follow two courses of study; they can study the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma which is worth the equivalent of one A Level or the Diploma which is worth the equivalent of two A Levels. Each student has to complete a minimum of two mandatory units, with the remainder of the qualification being made up of optional units.

10 BTEC ICT (Sub Diploma) Course Outline The 60-credit BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma extends the specialist work-related focus of the BTEC Level 3 Certificate and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma offers greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. It is broadly equivalent to one A Level. BTEC ICT (Diploma) CourseOutline The 120-credit BTEC Level 3 Diploma broadens and expands the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and the BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma. There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for employment in the appropriate vocational sector and it is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular area of work. It is broadly equivalent to two A Levels.