Key Stage 3

Year 8

In Year 8, pupils have two ICT lessons each week, giving them the opportunity to build confidence and develop essential digital skills through a range of creative and practical activities.

Pupils will learn:

• Word Processing – create and format professional-looking documents.
• Presentation Software – design engaging and effective digital presentations.
• Scratch Programming – develop coding and problem-solving skills by creating interactive programs.
• Game Design – plan, design and create their own games, developing creativity, logical thinking and digital skills.

 

Our Year 8 ICT programme provides an engaging introduction to ICT and Computing, encouraging pupils to become confident, creative and independent digital makers.

 

Year 9

In Year 9, pupils continue to build on the digital skills developed in Year 8 through two ICT lessons each week. Lessons focus on developing confidence, creativity and independence while introducing pupils to a wider range of digital tools.

 

Pupils will develop skills in:

• Spreadsheets – using formulas, functions and charts to organise, calculate and present data.
• Web Design – planning and creating websites that are engaging, well-designed and suitable for their intended audience.
• Desktop Publishing (DTP) – designing professional-looking publications by combining text, images and effective layouts.
• Personal Project – at the end of Year 9, pupils will complete an independent project that allows them to combine and showcase the ICT and digital skills they have developed throughout Years 8 and 9.

Our Year 9 programme encourages pupils to become creative, confident and independent digital makers, preparing them for further study in ICT. 

 

Year 10

In Year 10, pupils have two ICT lessons each week. This is an important year for pupils to further develop their digital skills and prepare for the demands of GCSE-level study.

 

Pupils will develop skills in:

• Advanced Word Processing – developing more advanced formatting, layout and document production skills to create professional documents.
•  Databases – learning how to create, organise, search and manage information effectively using database software.
• Digital Skills Project – pupils finish the year by completing a project that allows them to bring together and showcase the ICT skills they have developed throughout Years 8, 9 and 10.

 

Our Year 10 programme helps pupils become confident, independent and capable digital users, ensuring they have a strong foundation of skills to support them as they progress into GCSE study and beyond.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE level, ICT is a compulsory subject for all pupils. Students follow one of two pathways, allowing them to work towards a qualification that best suits their learning style, strengths and future progression.

 

OCN IT

The OCN IT pathway is assessed entirely through coursework, making it an excellent option for students who prefer practical, continuous assessment rather than examinations.

Students develop essential digital skills through units including:

• Using Email effectively and professionally
• Word Processing to produce well-designed documents
• Spreadsheets to organise, calculate and present information
• Using the Internet safely and effectively

 

The practical skills developed through OCN are valuable not only in ICT but across a range of other subjects. Students develop confidence in using technology, organising their work and producing high-quality digital documents. These are also important skills for further education, employment and everyday life.

 

BTEC Information & Creative Technology – Level 2

 

The BTEC Information & Creative Technology pathway is ideal for students who enjoy ICT and would like to further develop their technical and creative digital skills.

Students complete:

• The Online World – assessed through an online test
• Web Design – planning, designing and developing a website
• Database Development – creating and managing databases to meet a specific purpose

This pathway develops a combination of practical, creative and technical skills and provides excellent progression into Level 3 ICT, as well as other digital and technology-related courses.

 

Both pathways allow students to build on the digital skills developed throughout Years 8, 9 and 10, helping them become confident and independent users of technology while developing skills that will support them across the curriculum, in further education and in future employment

Key Stage 5

BTEC Level 3 Information Technology

 

For students wishing to continue their ICT studies beyond GCSE, we offer BTEC Level 3 Information Technology. This qualification allows students to develop advanced digital knowledge and practical skills, providing excellent preparation for university, further education and employment.

 

The course combines external assessment and coursework, covering a wide range of IT skills and knowledge.

 

Students study:

Creating Systems to Manage Information – students develop their database skills, learning how to design, create, test and manage relational database systems. They work with tables, relationships, queries, forms and reports to create effective solutions for managing information.

Information Technology Systems – this written examination explores the key areas of IT and how technology is used in both personal and professional environments. Students develop their understanding of computer hardware, software, networks, data, emerging technologies, online systems and information security.

Data Modelling – students develop advanced spreadsheet skills, using data models to analyse information, solve problems and support effective decision-making.

Using Social Media in Business – students investigate how organisations use social media to communicate with customers, promote products and services, develop their brand and meet business objectives.

 

Progression and Future Opportunities

 

BTEC Level 3 Information Technology develops a strong combination of technical, analytical, problem-solving and practical digital skills.

 

The qualification provides an excellent foundation for progression into university courses and careers in IT and related digital areas. We are particularly proud that our students have successfully secured university places in IT and related subject areas, demonstrating the strong progression opportunities offered by the course.