Information Technology
Key Stage 4
Cambridge Nationals Levels 1/2 Information Technologies
What are the knowledge and skills that students will gain over Key Stage 4?
ICT is an essential element of modern day life. Regardless of which profession pupils want to choose, they will need ICT skills to be able to perform day to day tasks. At present students at John Colet are studying OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies which equips learners with sound ICT skills for everyday use and provides opportunities to develop in context those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with others and communicating technical concepts effectively.
Learners will learn about tools and techniques for use in different digital hardware and software technologies, and how these can be integrated to create digital solutions to manage and communicate data and information. They will also be taught what data and information are and the legal, ethical and moral considerations when using technology to gather, store and present data and information, and how to mitigate the risks of cyber-attacks. Through this qualification they will be able to select and use the most appropriate technology safely and effectively, to complete a data management task.
Elements of unit R012 Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions will be taught throughout the course, where students will learn the knowledge and skills for a wide range of software. Learners will apply the tools and techniques learnt into exam board set assignment for unit R013 Developing technological solutions.
Course title: OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Information Technologies J808
Year 9 ICT
Data and information
Project life cycle
SMART objectives
Introduction to planning tools
Project planning software tools
SWOT analysis
Databases
Spreadsheets
Risks to data and prevention measures
Year 10 ICT
Phases of project life cycle
Inputs and outputs of different phases
Iterative testing
Methods to collect data
Automation of data collection using IT
Factors to consider when collecting data
Storage methods and their appropriateness
Types of threats to data
Impact of cyber-attacks
Current IT legislations
Advanced features of database software
Advanced spreadsheets
Presenting information using multiple applications
Assessment: 50% exam based
Year 11 ICT
Application of practical skills in mock controlled assessment
Appropriateness of tools to present information
Web/mobile technologies
Aesthetics and information design
Carrying out iterative phase review
Application of knowledge and skills to a set assignment
Assessment: 50% controlled assessment
Why is it delivered in this way?
In Year 9 students are taught knowledge and skills which lays a decent foundation for them to be prepared to prepare for core theory elements in year 10. Students take their final exam at the end of Year 10. This helps them to focus more on controlled assessment element in Year 11. Students complete the sample controlled assessment task within autumn term which makes them more confident to complete the actual controlled assessment in winter term.
Sixth Form
Course title: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology
What are the knowledge and skills that students will gain over Key Stage 5?
Information Technology (IT) involves the use of computers in industry, commerce, the arts and elsewhere. IT includes aspects of defining structure, behaviour and views of IT systems, interaction of humans with IT systems, project management and the general ability to use computers. Increasingly businesses are implementing IT strategies to manage and process data both to support many business processes and to deliver new opportunities.
Information Technology KS5 course is aimed at progression to higher education. However, it also enables students to develop the knowledge and skills needed for entry level roles related to IT, including vocational apprenticeship roles and trainee/entry level roles in software development web/content development, mobile apps design, games design, programming and IT/business analysis support.
Students study the relationship between hardware and software, managing and communicating information and data, and the principles of designing and developing computer programs across four mandatory units:
● Information Technology Systems (Exam)
● Creating Systems to Manage Information (Exam)
● Using Social Media in Business (Coursework)
● Website development/data modelling (Coursework)
At John Colet Year 12 and 13 students study in the same class which have proved very successful in recent years. Year 12 students get a lot more support from experienced teachers as well as from Year 13 students. Below is the topic outline for each unit:
Information Technology Systems
Digital devices in IT systems
Transmitting data
Operating online
Protecting data and information
Impact of IT systems
Ethical, moral and legal issues
Creating Systems to Manage Information
Structure of relational database management systems
Standard methods and techniques to design relational database solutions
Creating a relational database structure
Evaluating a database development project
Using Social Media in Business
Social media websites
Use of social media in a business
Risks and issues
Social media planning processes
Content planning and publishing
Developing an online community
Developing a social media policy
Reviewing and refining plans
Creating accounts and profiles
Content creation and publication
Implementation of online community building
Data gathering and analysis
Website Development
Purpose and principles of website products
Factors affecting website performance
Design a website to meet client requirements
Common tools and techniques used to produce websites
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Develop a website to meet client requirements
Data modelling investigation
Why is it delivered in this way?
Units in this course are taught on a rotational basis which means the course can run for Year 12 and 13 students at the same time. It also means that students complete one exam and one coursework unit each year which significantly reduces stress in the final year of A level.