ICT

Head of Department: Mr Morgan

ICT is now an everyday part of any students developing world. Society today uses masses of information in many forms text, graphics, animated visual images and sounds. The increasing use of technology to put this information across to different audiences has changed the face of communication.
In recognition of this ICT has become a Core Subject at South Wirral High School.
Key Stage 3
Students in Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) are taught discrete ICT for one hour a week in one of five ICT suites. The curriculum, based on the National Strategy, involves pupils applying their ICT skills within a given context. The pupils learn to analyse problems, devise solutions and then evaluate how successful they have been. They look at communications, modelling and data handling amongst other areas. The pupils receive further ICT delivery through other subjects as appropriate in the areas of study.
Key Stage 4
GCSE
Students take part in a variety of activities and opportunities to acquire competence and skills in Information Communication Technology.  This allows them to use ICT independently to demonstrate their ability to gather, store, process and present information using information systems.  Students are required to complete a major coursework assignment, which begins at the end of Year 10 and continues throughout Year 11.  Students should develop their ability to select the most appropriate application for a range of different situations.  Assessment will be based on the following components:

Certificate in Digital Applications (CIDA)

This course is equivalent to 2 GCSE's at A* - E.  There is Level 2 and Level 1.
This is a double option in respect to time
Units studied are as follows

Using ICT:

We live in age of information overload; TV, radio, text messaging, web, e-mail, telephone, video DVD + CD and face-to-face conversations.  How do we manage all the information we receive?  How do we judge its usefulness?  How can we present it clearly and effectively so it communicates the message we want to convey?  These are all the issues addressed by the Unit called Using ICT, which will also teach students how to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others.

ICT in Enterprise:

Have you ever thought about starting your own enterprise?  Digital technology has a major role to play in most enterprises these days.  In this unit students learn ways of identifying opportunities, financial planning, market research and creating a visual identity for an enterprise.  Among the other skills to be developed will be planning and project management, and reviewing and critically evaluating student's own work and that of others.

Key Stage 5

Applied ICT

This course aims to produce effective, discerning ICT users

The qualification has an AS/A2 structure

AS

Three mandatory units
·        The Information Age
·        The Digital Divide
·        The Knowledge Worker

A2

Three Units from AS plus
Two mandatory units
·        Using Database Software
·        Managing ICT Projects
plus
·        One Optional Unit