ICT / Computer Studies
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department offers a stimulating and dynamic learning environment using the most up to date software and creative technologies available. High-tech classrooms, with interactive whiteboards and high spec peripherals enable students to excel in a multimedia rich society.
The ICT curriculum offered at St Thomas More is designed to give an in-depth knowledge and a wide range of ICT skills. Excellent results and high expectations of success reflect the increased popularity of ICT, with many students now going on to read Computer Science and ICT related courses at universities, including the Russell Group.
Which careers could ICT lead to?
Engineering, finance, accounting, teaching, Computer science, IT Management, Analyst, Business and Software development, Graphic Design among many others.
Teachers
Mr N Ahmed
Mr S Ghoudelbourk - Head of Department
Ms N Saleem
Curriculum Map
KS4
Computer Science
Course outline
This course is made up of one written paper exam which is worth 75% and a practical “Programming”. Course work which is worth 25%. The course will be delivered over a two year period
What type of student succeeds at Computer Science GCSE Level?
Computer science pupils require high analytical skills. It requires resilience and a readiness to work through to find solutions for problems users are faced with daily.
Written paper content:
- Understanding of what algorithms are, what they are used for and how they work; ability to interpret, amend and create algorithms.
- Understanding of binary representation, data representation, data storage and compression, encryption and databases; ability to use SQL to insert, amend and extract data stored in a structured database.
- Understanding of components of computer systems; ability to construct truth tables, produce logic statements and read and interpret fragments of assembly code.
- Understanding of computer networks, the internet and the world wide web; ability to use HTML and CSS to construct web pages.
- Awareness of emerging trends in computing technologies, the impact of computing on individuals, society and the environment, including ethical, legal and ownership issues.
Coursework content:
This is a practical ‘making task’ that enables students to demonstrate their computational techniques using a programming language. Students will:
- decompose problems into sub-problems
- create original algorithms or work with algorithms produced by others
- design, write, test, and evaluate programs.
GCSE ICT
Course outline
- Unit 1: Living in a Digital World
- Written Exam 40%
- Unit 2: Using Digital Tools
- Coursework 60%
What type of student succeeds at ICT GCSE Level?
ICT pupils require high analytical skills. It requires resilience and a readiness to work through to find solutions for problems users are faced with daily.
Overview Content Unit 1
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 well being 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
Overview Content Unit 2
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.
Complementary subjects
ICT is well paired with any of the science or social science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Business, and Art.
Homework
Students receive homework every single day. There is a high volume of practical work to complete and therefore homework standards are set from the very first day.
The GCSE in ICT enables students to become independent and discerning users of ICT, able to make informed decisions about its use and aware of its implications for individuals, organisations and society, acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts, develop ICT-based solutions to solve problems. It develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and their social and commercial impact, their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental issues raised by ICT. It allows pupils to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and develop safe, secure and responsible practice. Enables pupils to develop the skills to work collaboratively and to evaluate ICT-based solutions.
CIDA - Certificate in Digital Applications
Course outline
Unit 1: Developing Web Products
Mandatory unit, practical examination 50%
Choice of at least one other unit from:
Creative Multimedia, Art and Imaging or Game Making
What type of student succeeds at CiDA?
Pupils need to be creative, have a good understanding or interest for graphic software. It requires resilience and a readiness to work through to find solutions for problems users are faced with daily.
Unit 1
This unit aims to give you the knowledge and skills you need to produce attention grabbing web products using web authoring software, multimedia assets and navigation features. You will demonstrate your ability to design, build and test a web product in a practical computer-based examination
Unit 2
This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques provided by multimedia authoring software to design and create effective multimedia products for specified purposes and audiences.
Unit 3
This unit aims to give you the skills to use the tools and techniques provided by artwork and imaging software to design and create effective graphic products for specified purposes and audiences. You will investigate a range of graphic products to find out how images are used to convey a particular message. You will discover that you like some of these products more than others and you will need to consider why this is the case
Complementary subjects
CiDA is well paired with any of the science or social science subjects: Art, Media and Business
Homework
Students receive homework every single day. There is a high volume of practical work to complete and therefore homework standards are set from the very first day.
KS5
ICT - BTEC
Course outline
The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 90-credit Diploma in IT is a qualification that consists of two mandatory units (20 credits) plus optional units (70 credits) that provide for a combined total of 90 credits (where at least 70 credits must be at level 3 or above)
Mandatory Units:
Unit 1: Employability & Communication
Unit 2: Computer Systems
There are a range of other units to choose from to make up the remaining 70 credits, these include Graphic Units, animation, software design, networks, website design, databases and many more.
What type of student succeeds at ICT BTEC?
ICT BTEC pupils require high level of organisational skills. There are a lot of units to go through and a wide range of different skills required. Ability to adapt is crucial. ICT units will vary from more creative units to more analytical skills, pupils must be prepared to learn and develop different skills including software skills but also problem solving skills.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade 4 at Maths and English is required in order to study ICT at BTEC. Preferably all pupils will have some ICT background at Key Stage 4.
Complementary subjects
ICT BTEC is well paired with subjects such as Business, Art and Design as well as Media.
Homework
Students receive homework every single day. There is a high volume of practical work to complete and therefore homework standards are set from the very first day.
Future Directions
Which university courses require an ICT BTEC?
There are a wide range of courses that will require an ICT BTEC. ICT System degree, Computer Networks, and Graphics as well as many others.
Which university courses look favourably on ICT BTEC?
ICT A Level is favourable for any degree which requires logical thought and problem solving tasks
What are the entry requirements to study ICT at university?
ICT Entry requirements are a minimum of 280 UCAS points DMM National BTEC
Which careers could ICT BTEC lead to?
Engineering, Teaching, Computer Science, IT Management, Analyst, Business and Software Development, among many others.