GCSE ICT

Head of Department: Mr K Fry BSc MSc

We believe that the computer, given its immense potential in unleashing creativity and increasing productivity, is an important tool of the present and of the future. With that in mind we ensure that our students are given a solid grounding in computer skills and the opportunity to extend them. Our development plan states that ICT will be used throughout the school and in all subjects as a natural teaching and learning tool.

Curriculum

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is Developed by members of Computing at School, the national subject association for Computer Science, and a team of Master Teachers who deliver CPD through the Network of Excellence project funded by the Department for Education, Compute-IT provides a cohesive and supportive learning package structured around the key strands of Computing.

Creative and flexible in its approach, Compute-IT makes Computing for Key Stage 3 easy to teach, and fun and meaningful to learn

GCSE SPECIFICATION: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (4IT1)

The content and assessment approach for this qualification has been designed to meet student needs in the following ways:

Developing confident and competent ICT users – This qualification provides students with the opportunity of operating confidently in today’s digital world. It is a useful, practical qualification which will provide skills needed in further education and work.

Providing students with relevant and transferable skills – Students will learn about topics ranging from digital devices and connectivity, safe and responsible practice, and understand the impact of the internet on the way that organisations do business. They will be also be encouraged to practice using software applications effectively. A CBI and Pearson report on employability and skills in 2012 said that ‘ Many employers are also keen to see the government encouraging schools and colleges to strengthen technology skills amongst young people’

Broad and deep development of students’ skills – The design of the revised International GCSE aims to extend students’ knowledge and understanding by broadening and deepening skills, for example students develop the ability to:

apply knowledge and understanding to produce Information and Communication Technology-based solutions • develop skills of analysis and evaluation, making reasoned judgements and presenting conclusions
reflect critically on their own and others’ use of Information and Communication Technology and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

Progression to A Level – International GCSEs enable successful progression onto A level and beyond. Through our world class qualification development process we have consulted with teachers as well university professors to validate the appropriateness of this qualification for progression, including its content, opportunities for skills development and assessment structure.

Assessment requirements

Paper 1:

Written Paper

One-hour and 30-minute written examination, set and marked by Pearson,

comprising a mixture of multiple-choice, short- and long- answer questions.

100 marks

Paper 2:

Practical Paper

Three-hour practical examination, set and marked by Pearson,

comprising two sections. The examination contains series of scenario-based tasks.

100 marks