Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | ICT | European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

KS4 - ICAA Information & Communication Technology

This course aims to develop confidence, knowledge, skills and understanding in Information and Communication Technology. It offers a broad and balanced view of the range of applications of information systems. Pupils will be expected to work independently. Creativity, reasoning, judgement and persistence are developed in applying Information and Communication Technology to relevant worthwhile problems. There will be a substantial amount of written theory work as well as practical use of computers. Weekly homework should be expected to last 30 to 40 minutes and will involve preparation, documentation and evaluation as well as written exercises.

During the first term, the units of work will be focused on business contexts and will cover most Microsoft Office applications. This is an opportunity to extend and enhance practical skills already gained. Important theory and concepts will also be covered. During the next two terms, you will learn how to develop and document systems.

During year 11, at least two terms are mainly spent on a coursework portfolio unit where you will analyse a given problem and then design, develop, implement, test and evaluate an information system solution. Your assignments, research, printouts and written reports of this major project will then be used as your coursework portfolio. There will also be a practical examination taken during normal lesson time. The coursework portfolio and the practical examination are handed in as computer files.

The last unit will focus on a theme set by the examination board and will involve revision and research tasks in preparation for the final written examination.

The examination board is CCEA/ICAA, the higher tier offers grades A* to D and the lower tier offers grades C to G. For your GCSE assessment the Coursework Portfolio is worth 40%, the Timed Practical Task 20%, the Key Skills Test 20% and the Final Written Examination 20%.