ICT
CURRICULUM
The department aims to ensure a broad curriculum for students which includes the three main strands within computing: computer science, digital literacy and information technology. The curriculum aims to support all pupils to develop the skills and knowledge required for the digital world of tomorrow.
To ensure an inclusive curriculum at key stage 4 for pupils the department offers two progression pathways. The first pathway is the OCR Cambridge Nationals Information Technologies Level ½ Certificate. This qualification will teach the learner what different technologies could be used, why they should use them and how to make best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data; this is known as data management.
They will also learn to follow a project life cycle of initiation, planning, execution and evaluation to complete a data management task and use their skills, knowledge and understanding of technology to complete each of the phases of the project life cycle. The skills, knowledge and understanding they will develop through this qualification are very relevant to both work and further study.
The second pathway offered is: OCR Functional Skills ICT. Functional Skills qualifications give students a practical grounding in how to apply ICT skills to everyday situations. With a strong focus on explanation and problem solving, using real-life contexts they allow students to apply their ICT skills in a variety of situations.
Year 7 starts with a focus on generic knowledge and skills building, with a focus on using the various software and applications, being safe online and computer security including password security.
Pupils will start their focus on the skills and knowledge needed for progression to KS4. They will look at emerging technologies, modelling, the use of data collection and storage, online marketing and issues such as cybersecurity and IT legislation.
Introductory theory and skills building to introduce knowledge for OCR RO12 and RO13, which can be reviewed in Year 11 in preparation for final exam and coursework. Topics such as the project life cycle, hardware and software, modelling, legislation and methods of collecting data are covered and assessed.
Theory and skills building to develop knowledge for OCR RO12 and RO13, which can be reviewed in Year 11 in preparation for final exam and coursework. Topics such as the project life cycle, hardware and software, modelling, legislation and methods of collecting data are covered and assessed.
Year 11 starts with a review of OCR RO12 followed by a mini project to prepare pupils for OCR RO13 coursework assignment. Pupils will complete RO13 during the spring term and begin revision for the final exam RO12 in the summer term.
