ICT taught at The King’s School is intended to provide students with skills to use computers in all areas of the curriculum as well as outside of School. There are many areas of ICT which are covered including databases, spread sheets, word-processing and programming. Students will also learn about graphics, webpage editing and the use of digital equipment. These areas are all covered to enable students to have a good understanding of computers and their practical application in society.
"Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all"
John F Kennedy
ICT lessons are taught in rooms where each student has access to a computer, microphones, digital cameras and video cameras. The computers are connected to the School's network with access to shared resources.
KS3
At KS3 pupils broadly follow the National Secondary Strategy units of Work that have been adapted by us to stretch and challenge our students.
Year 7 - 1 lesson a week
In Year 7 our students follow a varied curriculum which gives them an insight into a wide range of software and ICT applications.
Topics covered:
- Presentation Software
- Principles of Good Design
- Computer Games Programming
- Sound Editing
- Data Handling - Spreadsheets and Databases
- Internet Safety
Year 8 - 1 double lesson a fortnight
During Year 8 students build on the skills that they have developed in Year 7.
Topics include:
- Computer Control (BBC Microbits and Bit Bots)
- Animation (Adobe Flash)
- Graphics (Adobe Fireworks)
- Web Design (HTML and Adobe Dreamweaver)
Year 9 – 1 double lesson a week
The work in Year 9 is based on a series of mini-projects which involve all of the skills learned so far plus new ones based on aspects of Computer Science.
Topics include:
- Coding - Introduction to Python
- Group Project on Advertising
- Coding an Interactive Quiz
- Paired Project Computer Control - Design a Log Flume
- Encryption
KS4
ICT is an ideal preparation for a technological world in which ICT touches every part of daily lives. The course at KS4 develops practical ICT skills and extends knowledge and understanding of ICT systems.
All the key pieces of software are included: word-processing, databases, spread sheets, desktop publishing, multimedia, graphics and web-design. The issues that face people as a result of the ever-expanding use of ICT systems and the Internet are considered.
The ICT course is based on practical work and problem-solving and involves pupils developing real-life ICT software solutions.
Edexcel GCSE in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Unit 1 and Unit 2 are taught across Years 10 and 11.
Unit 1: Living in a Digital World (Externally assessed)
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes, 40% of the qualification, 80 marks
In this unit students explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. They learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning and 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 practice.
- Personal Digital Devices
- Connectivity
- Operating Online
- Online Goods and Services
- Online Communities
- Issues
Unit 2: Using Digital Tools (Internally assessed)
Non-examined assessment: 20 hours, 60% of the qualification, 80 marks
This is a practical unit. Students broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. They learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.
- Research and Information Gathering
- Modelling
- Digital Publishing
- Evaluating Outcomes
- Working Efficiently and Safely
For more information: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/ict-2010.html
Edexcel Computer Science (2016)
Component 1 and Component 2 are taught across Years 10 and 11, whereas Component 3 is completed in Year 11.
Component 1: Principles of Computer Science (Externally assessed)
Written examination: 1 hour and 40 minutes, 40% of the qualification, 80 marks
This component will assess all topics.
- Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms
- Understand the requirements for writing program code
- Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases
- Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudo-code
- Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web
- Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues
Component 2: Application of Computational Thinking (Externally assessed)
Written examination: 2 hours, 40% of the qualification, 80 marks
The main focus of this component will be:
- Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms
- Understanding how to develop program code and constructs, data types, structures, input/output, operators and subprograms
This component may also draw on:
- Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases
- Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret pseudo-code
- Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the worldwide web
- Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues
Component 3: Project (Internally assessed)
Non-examined assessment: 20 hours, 20% of the qualification, 60 marks
Students will develop a computer program. The content for this component will draw on:
- Algorithms, Decomposition and Abstraction
- Design, Write, Test and Refine a Program
- Data
For more information: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/computer-science-2016.html
Department Staff
Mrs Sharon Stimson (STS): Head of ICT Department
Mr Hayden Brader (HAB): Teacher of ICT & Academic Head of Year 9
