Year 9 ICT Core
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated throughout the curriculum, with students developing word-processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, graphical and information handling skills in the context of their day-to-day work in various subjects.
Students enter Gordonstoun with differing levels of ICT ability. Therefore an IT Skills course is run in years 9 and 10 for one period per week. All students cover a common core of ICT skills with ICT specialists to ensure that they learn the skills necessary to be able to use ICT effectively within other curriculum areas. In general, ICT is seen as a tool, rather than just as a subject in its own right, and pupils will have the opportunity to develop their ICT skills as they progress through the school.
In addition to learning and improving basic skills a range of ICT citizenship issues are looked at. Focus is placed upon the responsible usage of ICT resources such as the Internet and the development of an awareness of personal security. To recognise students’ achievement a portfolio of work will be built over the course of years 9 and 10 that will lead to the award of the Gordonstoun Certificate of ICT. This may be awarded at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
There are four distinct strands to the Gordonstoun Certificate of ICT:
- Presentation of Information. This includes the use of word processing, desk top publishing, graphics and presentation software to produce work that is both professional in appearance and suitable for the target audience.
- Numerical analysis and programming. This will essentially include the use of spreadsheet software to model a situation. Formulae and calculations must be performed and data must be output in a suitable graphical or tabulated format. Evidence of some appreciation of programming is also expected.
- Information systems and searches. Students should know what sources of information are available (e.g. CD ROMs and the Internet) and be able to use the appropriate source and construct appropriate search queries. This will extend into the construction and usage of databases.
- Citizenship. An awareness of the benefits, limitations and potential pitfalls of technology is to be encouraged. Students should appreciate security issues and relevant legislation. This will permeate through tasks set within the other three strands.
Year 10 ICT Core
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated throughout the curriculum, with students developing word-processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, graphical and information handling skills in the context of their day-to-day work in various subjects. In Year 10 students will build upon their work from year 9 and will focus more upon their portfolio of work that will enable them to achieve the Gordonstoun Certificate of ICT. This may lead to an award at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
There are four distinct strands to the Gordonstoun Certificate of ICT:
- Presentation of Information. This includes the use of word processing, desk top publishing, graphics and presentation software to produce work that is both professional in appearance and suitable for the target audience.
- Numerical analysis and programming. This will essentially include the use of spreadsheet software to model a situation. Formulae and calculations must be performed and data must be output in a suitable graphical or tabulated format. Evidence of some appreciation of programming is also expected.
- Information systems and searches. Students should know what sources of information are available (e.g. CD ROMs and the Internet) and be able to use the appropriate source and construct appropriate search queries. This will extend into the construction and usage of databases.
- Citizenship. An awareness of the benefits, limitations and potential pitfalls of technology is to be encouraged. Students should appreciate security issues and relevant legislation. This will permeate through tasks set within the other three strands.
Years 10 & 11 GCSE ICT - OCR 1994A
The GCSE Information and Communication Technology (ICT) option is offered to pupils with good problem-solving and communication skills who are interested in learning how ICT systems can be used to solve problems and who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
The syllabus is based on the use and effects of ICT in the communicating and handling of information, and in controlling, measuring and modelling. Extensive use of a wide range of applications and information resources forms the basis of the course.
GCSE ICT is essentially a practical subject and so may require computer-based work to be done outside of the classroom, particularly for the coursework assessment.
The syllabus consists of both theory and practical work and the assessment is based on two possible tiers of entry. A candidate is entered for either the Foundation Tier (grades C to G) or the Higher Tier (grades A* to D); both tiers comprise two written papers together with a Coursework Collection consisting of two minor projects and one major project. Wherever possible the theory is learnt through, or in conjunction with, the practical work.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) [OCR AS 3838 A2 7838]
The subject of Information Technology has evolved at a rapid rate over the last ten years. A-level IT focuses upon IT applications and the development of IT systems for users. The ICT A-level uses a task-driven approach to problem solving and decision making that relies on the effective use of information and communication technologies. Wherever possible, the subject is taught through the practical use of information and communication resources, to perform useful tasks. By the end of the course, students will become critical users of ICT, able to judge if, and when, the use of ICT is appropriate to solve a given problem. 40% of the final mark is achieved through coursework (2 modules) with the remainder assessed by examination (4 modules). The exact breakdown is as follows:
Module 2512
- Fundamentals of ICT (15% exam assessment)
- Data, information, knowledge and processing
- Components of information systems
- Systems software
- Files and database concepts
- The role of communications and networking
- Role and impact of ICT - legal, moral and social issues
Module 2513
- Structured tasks (20% practical assessment)
Module 2514
- Practical applications of ICT (15% exam assessment)
- Standard applications
- Applications packages for presentation and communication of data
- Spreadsheets
- Relational and online database management systems
Module 2515
- Communications technology and its application (15% exam assessment)
- Features of networked systems and systems life cycle
- Communications and networked systems
- The role and implications of communications systems
- Applications of ICT
Module 2516
- ICT project (20% practical assessment)
Module 2517
- ICT Systems and Systems Management (15% exam assessment)
- Information and Organisation
- Designing Computer-based Information Systems
- Implementing Computer-based Information Systems
- Implications of ICT
A-level ICT is not a programming course. The coursework is primarily based around typical office, web-based and graphics applications. Good numeracy and literacy skills are required. It is not necessary to have studied IT at GCSE level, although this would clearly be advantageous.