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AES Information Communication Technology

Information Communication Technology is concerned with developing the students' ability to understand the modern world and to be able to communicate ideas electronically and handle information effectively.

Suggestion: ICT is concerned with developing the students' ability to handle information and to communicate ideas effectively using electronic means.

To achieve this students learn to use a variety of software packages and learn to work independently using a computer to gain access to, manipulate, interrogate information systems and present their findings in a format suitable for specific audiences.

What do students learn in ICT?

Students cover a wide range of topics and learn to exploit computer technology through the use of a range of computer applications. Students will learn how computer technology can assist them in their private and future professional lives, for example, in determining when the use of computers is appropriate and beneficial.

We show students how computer models can help to predict outcomes and help them to solve problems with associated variables. We help students research how to set up such models and how to enter rules and instruction sets. We explore ways in which information can be communicated to others.

Students learn how to use a variety of packages requiring Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentation, Web Design and Desktop-Publishing skills and begin to understand how this information can be used to influence others.

KS3 (National Strategy)

All students have discrete ICT lessons in Key Stage 3 in computer suites where there is a ratio of one student per computer. We have developed units of work which follow the Key Stage Three Strategy.

Year 7 Students

Learn how to access the Internet correctly and safely, use of school email, create folders and gain access to the secured school network which is available from both school and from home
Study the ways that information is presented and produce a presentation to show that they have understood these concepts. The theme of this unit is the Pirates of the Caribbean
Use Desktop Publishing (DTP) to create a brochure using templates, whilst learning the difference between types of images and how to use word-processing effectively
Introduce Harry Plotter in the use of spreadsheets to explore modelling and data handling
Look at the basis of database system and create a table to store information
Understand the various sound formats and explore the use of different sound effects

Year 8 students

Learn how to use and create databases using MS Access in the theme of Superheroes
Develop a web site for our Superhero using FrontPage
Create a party invite using mail merge for our Superhero
Look at the Superhero costing for the party using spreadsheets
Look at some facts of E-waste and recycling and present the information onto an infographic
Use various CAD programs to produce tasks such as a 2D floor plan
Explore the features of Movie Maker and create a movie trailer for a given film

Year 9 students

Looking at and investigating why databases are so much part of our world today and in the future
Further use of databases using an estate agents as an example
Learn how to develop a project; involves planning, evaluation and possible improvements. This includes developing a multimedia interactive project for children and a complex spreadsheet system for a company

Assessment:

The curriculum objectives are assessed for their National Curriculum ICT level by teacher assessment their level achieved is recorded centrally
It is the school and department policy that the student completes the homework set by the class teacher

KS4

In Year 10 all students have the opportunity to choose what aspects to study for in ICT. All students study ICT, either as a GCSE subject option, or to study for the level 1 European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

ICT GCSE helps prepare candidates for a world increasingly dominated by the use of ICT systems, which influence every aspect of everyday life. Studying ICT will help provide the analytical, communication and technical skills that are needed by active participants in this exciting and dynamic world.

All candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to:

apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT to a range of situations
analyse, design, implement, test, evaluate and document information and communication systems for use by others and develop understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT
reflect critically on the way they and others use ICT
discuss and review the impact of ICT applications in the wider world
Consider the social, economic, political, legal, ethical and moral issues and security needs for data which surround the increasing use of ICT.

They will also learn how ICT tools and applications can be used to develop business documents to meet communication needs, and how standard ways of working are used in ICT. This includes finding out that some organisations use more specific ICT tools and applications, such as CAD/CAM or control technology, and how they use them for particular purposes, such as monitoring data or image creation.

The GCSE (Edexcel) consists of two units:

Unit 1 – Living in a Digital World

In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts the lives of individuals, organisations & society.

Students learn about current & emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a wide range of contexts, including learning & earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move.

They develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practise.

Unit 2 - Using Digital Tools

This is practical unit. Students complete a task set by Edexcel involving four related activities:

User profile development
Spreadsheet model, webpage, presentation for a given business or scenario
Interactive digital products, including a movie and a website using HTML
Evaluation of activities

Students broaden & enhance their ICT skills & capability to produce effective ICT solutions.

ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)

The ECDL is the first qualification in personal computing skills to be recognised throughout the EU which covers the all the key concepts of computing.

Students in the 21^st century today more than ever need the ability to use a computer effectively as it is an essential life skill.

ECDL will help students gain computer usage confidence, use ICT basic skills and knowledge to use computers. Becoming familiar with a whole range of common ICT software packages. The ECDL is also an internationally recognised qualification which, this means when you’re looking for work, now or in the future, having the ECDL on your CV will show that you have the computer skills employers are looking for.

It is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects.

Module 1: IT Security for Users Module 1 teaches students about the importance of Internet and computer security and shows certain guidelines that should be followed when using email and searching the web. It will also introduce students to viruses.

Module 2: Using the Computer and Managing Files / IT User Fundamentals in this module students will learn how to start and safely shut down a computer, desktop icons and windows. They will also be introduced to system maintenance and security.

Module 7: Web Browsing and Communication Module 7 finishes the ECDL by teaching students about security and web browsing and how to send and receive emails.

6^th Form

Computers are now widely used in all aspects of government, business, education, leisure and the home. In an increasingly technological age, a study of Advanced Information Technology and particularly how computers are used in the solution of a variety of problems, is valuable to you as a student, and is useful in future employment.

In the Sixth form students are able to opt for an A Level in ICT. This award is designed for those who want to become users of ICT. It complements many other subjects in the school and provides students with an opportunity to develop their skills in:

We follow the OCR SYLLABUS which consists of 6 modules, all of which involve independent working to produce a portfolio of ICT evidence. These include:

AS:

Unit G040 - Using ICT to Communicate