Ryton Parents – Year 9 Options – Information & Communication Technology

On this course students will complete a GCSE which focuses on the following main areas of study:

1) Current and emerging technologies - this will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the function, purpose and organisation of the hardware and subsystems used in a wide range of everyday ICT and applications such as mobile phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth, wireless blogs, social networking and digital broadcasting. Students will explore the impact, both good and bad, which these technologies have on individuals, organisations and society.

2) ICT tools and techniques - Students will explore the ways in which tools and techniques are used in different contexts to develop ideas and to solve problems. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the use of ICT to find, collect, process and present information. A wide range of skills will be explored and developed: from web design and image manipulation to the advantages and disadvantages of social networking.

3) Society's use of ICT - Students will explore the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the use of ICT for individuals, organisations and society. Legal issues, such as the Data Protection Act and Copyright law, and political and ethical issues, such as national database, security of public data and the use of CCTV will be studied as well as the social and personal effects of ICT such as the growth of personal websites and social networks.

4) Collaborative Working - Areas covered in this section include developing an understanding of project management and the advantages and disadvantages of home working, to technologies that aid collaboration such as video conferencing.

Assessment

The scheme of assessment will consist of 3 units:

Unit 1: Systems & Applications in ICT External examination - 40%

Unit 2: The Assignment Applying ICT Controlled Assessment - 30%

Unit 3: Practical Problem Solving in ICT Controlled Assessment - 30%

Controlled Assessment

Controlled Assessment replaces what was known as "coursework" from September 2010 in ICT. This will take the form of practical assignments and problem solving activities, set by the examination board, which students will complete during lessons over a given period of time.

How will this course help you in your career or in your future studies?

All students that complete an Applied GCSE in ICT (at grades A*-C) will be able to continue ICT in the form of an A Level in ICT or one of the BTEC ICT related courses. Alternatively, the GCSE course is an ideal qualification if you wish to go straight into employment. This is because ICT is a key part in any business or industry.

Contact: Miss S Pringle