Computing and Electronic Technologies
Today Communication and Electronic Technologies have become essential skills. CET provision at the Senior School aims to provide pupils with the technical skills and techniques needed for life, as well as the ability and confidence to apply these skills safely, responsibly, and confidently in their learning, everyday life, and the workplace.
The school has three fully equipped computer labs which are regularly used by the Department and by other staff to support teaching and learning across the curriculum.
Enrichment opportunities include: the FTC Robot Competition, Minecraft Coding, Microprocessor Control, Photoshop Images and Animation, Programming.
Enrichment opportunities include: the FTC Robot Competition, Minecraft Coding, Microprocessor Control, Photoshop graphics, Animation and Programming.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
All students take CET at KS3 (Years 7 to 9). A great emphasis is placed on practical work, students gain knowledge, understanding and skills through using a variety of applications including:
Office 365, Internet Safety, Photoshop, Teams, OneDrive, Email, Photoshop, Illustrator, Morph, Flowol, Web Design, Sound Editing, Video Editing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Forms, Sway, Minecraft, Word, MSW Logo, Micro:Bit, Publisher, Python and HTML.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE
CIE 0417
ICT in years 10 and 11 is offered as an option, students follow the Cambridge IGCSE Informational and Communication Technology Course.
The IGCSE Information Communication Technology syllabus combines theoretical and practical studies focusing on the ability to use common software applications, including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, interactive presentation software, e-mail, web browsers and website design. Students will develop a greater awareness of how applications are used in the workplace and consider the impact of new technologies on methods of working and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues. The skills learnt will be useful to them in their work across the curriculum and will prepare them for future employment.
What will I learn?
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills.
The aims of the course are to enable students to develop:
- an understanding of the basic components, use and application of different ICT systems and networks
- the skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT systems
- the skills to understand the impact of current and new technologies on methods of working in the outside world
- the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use safe, secure and responsible practice.
Curriculum Content
There are three components one written paper of 1 hour 30 minutes worth 40% and two practical tasks each of 2 hours 15 minutes and worth 30%.
What homework will I be set?
Students will make use of their office 365 account. Students will be set reading tasks and questions from the textbook and past papers
Sixth Form: International AS and A level
CIE 9626
IT in years 12 and 13 is offered as an option, students follow the Cambridge A level Information Technology Course
At A Level the syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general.
Curriculum Content
There are two components to the IAS qualification, sat at the end of Year 12, a written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes and a practical paper of 2 hours 30 minutes
At the end of Year 13, students sit a further written paper of 1 hour 45 minutes and a practical paper of 2 hours 30 minutes for the IAL qualification.
The practical papers are worth 50% of the qualification and the written papers are also worth 50% of the qualification.
What are the GCSE requirements for this course?
Students wishing to study ICT in the Sixth form need IGCSE ICT grade C and above.
Future Career Choices
Cambridge International A Level Information Technology provides a suitable foundation for the study of IT or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in IT, or as part of a course of general education.
