Information Technology

Information Technology is a fundamental subject as many careers usually involve some element of computer technology within it. We recognise this so students follow a scheme of learning to enable them to experience a variety of different software packages and gain a foundation of knowledge to prepare them for college and employment in later life. Software is selected to allow students at all ability levels to be creative and inspire using their different learning styles to achieve great things.

Information Technology is incorporated into Project Based Learning (PBL) for students in year 7.

Years 8 & 9

Students experience a mixture of topics which have in the past included animation, databases, spreadsheets, multimedia, DTP, encryption, Microsoft Forms and e-safety.

We try to vary the curriculum using both online software packages like ‘Scratch’ as well as software used in the professional industry such as the Adobe suite where licences have been purchased for every year 9 student allowing these programs to be used at home. Every student has a licence for Office 365 so as part of the IT curriculum we expand on the knowledge taught in year 7 for some of these applications.

Having access to work and resources online so that it can be accessed at home and to keep parents involved as much as possible in what is being learnt and achieved is very important to us. All IT resources/support and work completed by students is evidenced and assessed using Microsoft OneNote and Teams. This can then be viewed and monitored at home at any time provided there is an Internet connection.

We are also beginning to introduce basic elements of computing and programming where possible to broaden experience. To assist with this we have linked up with Technocamps who have come in to deliver sessions on computing and computational thinking to our year 8 and 9 students.

We also try and adapt some theory into the curriculum so that as well as the practical skills, students consider some theoretical aspects such as computer law, e-safety and the fundamentals of the ‘online world’ that we live in now. These theory elements will not only help students in general life but also help prepare them should they wish to take IT at GCSE level in year 10.

The IT department is always looking to improve and offer the best learning experience possible so feedback is encouraged from students on their OneNote based on the content and assessment of each topic area. As a department we can then analyse the positives and also any suggested ways to improve given by the students. Communication is also available via Teams should any students wish to contact us or ask for additional support. We are always happy to help!

BTEC Information and Creative Technology

The option of Information and Creative Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for students to identify and solve real problems by designing information and creative systems in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests. ICT develops students’ interdisciplinary skills and their capacity for imaginative, innovative thinking, creativity and independence. ICT skills are transferable into many career paths, which make this option an excellent choice.

ICT is a course that recognises the essential practical nature of the subject area. Students experience a range of practical activities from which a body of skills and knowledge will develop. Students will carry out a range of extended practical tasks using the application programs of Microsoft Office and Serif, while at the same time learning the theory-based aspects in the online world of ICT (such as hardware, operating systems and ICT legislation) that will feature in the written examination.

The qualification provides the skills, knowledge and understanding for level 2 learners to progress to level 3 vocational qualifications, IT/Creative Media apprenticeships, academic qualifications such as A-Level ICT or employment within information technology and/or areas within the creative industries such as computer animations.

The course will appeal to those most who:

  • Have a strong interest in ICT.
  • Have good practical ICT skills and wish to build upon these.
  • Can work independently (After skills and instruction, students are given an assignment brief and have to complete it without assistance).
  • Plan to work with ICT in the future.

For more information about this course, please take a look at our Year 9 Options Booklet.

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