Welcome to ICT & Computing

Introduction
In today’s world, where ICT is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills. These skills are now as essential as the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy. As well as the rapid development of new technologies, familiar technologies like television, telephone and computers are evolving and being expanded by digitised information. As a result of this, there is a growing need for individuals who can master and manipulate these new technologies. ICT and Computing here at Emmanuel encourages learners to start becoming discerning users of ICT. It allows them to develop a broad range of ICT skills, knowledge and understanding.

Key Stage 3
In Years 7 and 8, students apply and develop skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a wide range of different situations. Students make full use of the MS Office suite and Dreamweaver. They also look at how to use the Internet safely and effectively to find information. Throughout the course, students broaden their understanding of ICT theory through focused homework activities. These activities allow students to use a wide range of ICT and media, prepare presentations which are sensitive to audience needs and apply knowledge of technical issues. There are many opportunities to extend their analytical skills, making judgments about the advantages, dangers and moral issues in using ICT to manipulate information.

In Year 9, all students are offered the OCR Level 2 First Award in ICT. This involves completing two coursework portfolios. The first unit requires the students to take on the ownership of a fictional business for which they utilise their ICT skills creating a range of publicity material, financial spreadsheets and a company database. The second unit involves students showing off their creative side as they plan, create and evaluate a radio advertisement.

Key Stage 4
Students opting for ICT at Key Stage 4 follow one of three pathways. The decision on which pathway students follow is made by taking into account each individual students needs. The pathway options are as follows:

1. OCR Level 2 National Award in ICT
This course allows students to build upon the work completed in Year 9 by completing an extra two coursework portfolios. In the first unit, ‘Multimedia Products’, students create an interactive presentation choosing between an information source, a quiz or a teaching tool. In Year 11 students will have the opportunity to choose the third unit of work from a wide range of other applications including producing their own magazine using Desk Top Publishing software, designing their own Web Page or creating a spreadsheet to help a small business look after its money.

2. AS Level ICT
This course, traditionally taken in Year 12, will ‘Stretch and Challenge’ students, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their potential in ICT. Students study many key aspects of ICT including software, hardware and the role and impact of ICT on society. Students also undertake a number of practical ICT tasks which provides students with the opportunity to build on their ICT skills learnt in Key Stage 3 whilst also giving them the opportunity to explore the systems life cycle of design, software development, testing and documentation.

3. GCSE Computing (available from September 2010)
This is a course that has real relevance in our modern world. While students taking this course already have some knowledge of computers and related areas, the course gives them an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and a look at what goes on "behind the scenes". As part of this, students are introduced to computer programming.

Key Stage 5
At Key Stage 5 students have the opportunity to study for A Levels in ICT and/or Computing.

A Level ICT sees students develop a wide range of ICT skills together with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ICT. An emphasis is placed on the commercial use of Information Systems and all students become proficient at developing systems using spreadsheets and relational databases (MS Access).

A Level Computing enables students to further develop their ICT skills in the understanding of how computer systems work. Students gain a sound grounding in computing, including an understanding of computer systems, the principles of programming, and the solving of problems.

Enrichment Activities
To support the school enrichment programme, we offer students the chance to further advance their ICT skills and offer coursework and examination support sessions.