ICT

ICT is a dynamic and changing discipline and the department has to reflect this, offering an evolving and varied curriculum that as far as possible keeps pace with technology. Although the majority of our teaching is practical, we aim to use a variety of teaching styles which involve one to one use of computers but also move away from the desktop and use other ICT devices. Wherever possible the subject is linked to applications outside school life.

We have seven dedicated ICT teaching rooms which enable all students to work on their own machine in class, taught by specialist staff. In addition, there are multiple rooms throughout the school available for departmental and individual use.

In Key Stage 3 we teach the essential skills required for students to become independent users of ICT, both in our subject and around school. This includes common business applications and extends to specialised areas such as Image Manipulation, Audio, Control Technology and Data Logging.

In Key Stage 4 we run a range of courses, both vocational and academic.

• OCR National ICT Level 2 - this is a practical course teaching skills in business and specialised ICT topics such as Web Design and Animation. Candidates can gain up to 4 GCSEs, though this is exceptional. Over the last two years 100% of our candidates have achieved at least one GCSE at grade C or above.
• OCR GCSE ICT - this is a traditional approach to ICT but with a new syllabus that covers current trends and topics, including the use of mobile technologies.
• OCR GCSE Computing - A more specialised subject concentrating on programming and computer architecture. Suitable for students thinking about a career in the specialist ICT industries.

In Key Stage 5 we run a successful and popular AS and A2 course, practically based with in depth coverage of skills and up-to-the-minute theory. For more information on post-16 learning please click here.