Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 all students receive one timetabled 50 minute lesson per week in mixed ability classes. The curriculum is taught through a series of units based on the Key Stage 3 National Strategy for ICT, using mostly Microsoft software. The tasks enable the students to develop their ICT skills and to appreciate the benefits of planning and evaluation.
All students are expected to use ICT appropriately in other subject areas and this use is monitored by the ICT Coordinator. The ICT department strive to make all students independent users of ICT by the end of Year 9.
Key Stage 4
The school follows the WJEC specification consisting of two theory papers and two pieces of controlled assessment.
Unit 1 & Unit 3 are exams papers composed of short answer questions on topics such as databases, control systems and spreadsheets as well as networks, operating systems and ICT legislation.
Unit 2 requires the students to complete a series of tasks on the computer using PowerPoint, Word, Excel, DTP and Access in 22.5 hours under controlled assessment conditions.
Unit 4 provides students with an exciting way to demonstrate their creative and computer skills. They will be expected to research and develop a multimedia website or presentation under controlled assessment conditions.