ICT

Overview of the subject

The modern world is ever changing and it is becoming increasingly essential that all students develop a good understanding of how to use IT on a daily basis. For the majority of subjects, students are required to use their IT skills in all aspects of the Microsoft suite during lessons and different forms of assessment. As students progress through school and sixth form, the necessity to develop these skills becomes even more obvious as expectations from staff become greater.

In today’s society, employers look to delegate work to their employees in order to improve the efficiency of the business and create a sense of professionalism. In light of this, students at Meopham are expected to analyse, design, problem solve and develop computational thinking skills. Also students need to be aware of E-safety issues and how they can protect themselves.

Our Aims

Develop and maintain students’ interest in using Computing.
Students to develop competence in a range of Computing and ICT skills.
Students develop independent learning and confidence through the use of Computing/ICT tools.
To be able to select and present information effectively.
To develop transferable skills that can be applied to problem solving.

KS3

At KS3 students learn to use technology instinctively and creatively. Students use computer system to solve real-world problems, including issues such as identification of business needs. Students will study a number of distinct modules covering variety of topics which will develop their technical understanding of ICT.

Throughout KS3, students will develop practical ICT and computing skills as well as team-work, communication, problem solving, presentation skills and the ability to reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of others. Below are subjects offered at KS3:

E-Safety	Components of a computer system*	Spreadsheet	Database (flat file)	Logic/Binary	Programming with Scratch
Trends in Computing	Communication/Cryptography	Spreadsheet	Relational Database	Binary/Algorithm	Programming with Scratch
QR Codes	Hardware/Software	Spreadsheet	Relational Database	Binary/Algorithm	Programming with Python (Basics)#

KS4

IT is a GCSE Optional subject which commences in Year 9 with all examinations taking place at the end of Year 10. Pupils complete four examinations at GCSE; Word Processing, PowerPoint and Excel.

Students at KS4 years 9 and 10 have an opportunity to develop the essential skills which are required in today’s society. Students will focus their attention on being able to confidently use all aspects of Word Processing, PowerPoint and Excel. Students are then able to use these vital computing skills across the curriculum supporting all other subjects by helping students become more efficient and produce a better standard piece work. Students follow the European Computer Driving Licence 5.0 scheme, which is made up of the following four units:

Microsoft Word

This course shows learners how to use a word processing application to create documents and manipulate and format text. It also shows how to prepare a document for printing, preview and print a document, create tables, import objects, and merge a mailing list with a document. This course describes how to meet European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) objectives using Microsoft Word on a personal computer that uses a Windows operating system. The ECDL test can be taken with any word processing application, and although this course demonstrates a specific application, the tasks it teaches can be applied to other applications as well.

Microsoft PowerPoint

This course shows learners how to work with a presentation application to insert, manipulate, and format text, images, and slides. It also shows how to draw objects and produce charts for a presentation; how to print and distribute a presentation; and how to add special effects to a slide presentation. This course describes how to meet European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) objectives using Microsoft PowerPoint on a personal computer that uses a Windows operating system. The ECDL test can be taken with any Presentation application, and although this course demonstrates a specific application, the tasks it teaches can be applied to other applications as well

Microsoft Excel

This course shows users how to work with a spreadsheet application to insert and manipulate data. It also shows how to create formulas and functions, format and print a spreadsheet, import objects, and create and adjust charts. This course describes how to meet European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) objectives using Microsoft Excel on a personal computer that uses a Windows operating system. The ECDL test can be taken with any Spreadsheet application, and although this course demonstrates a specific application, the tasks it teaches can be applied to other applications as well.

Improving Productivity Using IT

This module will help learners understand some of the main concepts of Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentations and how to use Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations on a computer. The learner once the course is completed will be able to create and modify tables, queries, forms, reports and prepare outputs ready for distribution by using a query and the sort tools available in the package provided.

How will I be assessed?

Exam – multiple choice online test in using Microsoft Word Processing
Exam – multiple choice online test in using Microsoft PowerPoint
Exam – multiple choice online test in using Microsoft Excel
Exam – multiple choice online test combining Microsoft office skills

The overall grade is taken as an average of all four exams together assuming that all exams achieve the minimum pass mark.

What is the name of the examination board?

British Computer Society (BCS) - ECDL in IT Application Skills

KS5

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 ICT qualification offers learners the opportunity to follow a programme of study to:

Develop understanding of technology systems
Develop skills in creating system to manage information
Develop data modelling skills
Develop knowledge of using social media in business
Develop skills in website design.
Achieve a nationally recognised academic qualification.

Learners will also have the opportunity to acquire the essential knowledge and tools for the world of work by developing transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis, working with others and effective communication

What will I study?

The BTEC Level 3 IT is Equivalent in size to one A Level. Students study 4 units of which 3 are mandatory. The units are: