Students of today are living in a society where the use of ICT surrounds them; this factor is often taken for granted. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) prepares students to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technologies. ICT is taught throughout Key stages 3, 4 and 5 at Sedgehill.  The department aims to offer students a wide experience of ICT covering all aspects of the National Curriculum.  It is intended that all students will become independent users of ICT and will be able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to best effect, and to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

Business Studies is introduced to the students at key stage 4 (Years 10 – 11)

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In Year 7 ICT will be taught as a cross curricular subject within the school’s Baccalaureate system. Students will be using ICT to enhance the learning of other subjects, whilst developing their ICT skills.

Years 8 & 9

Every student has a one hour lesson of discrete ICT in Years 8 and 9.  Year 8 lessons are designed to give the students a sound skills base, knowledge of ICT applications namely word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, desktop publishing, graphic and web authoring software. Students also gain an understanding of moral and ethical implications of ICT use within society. Year 8 lessons prepare the students’ basic coverage before they move on to higher levels of learning.

By the time students have reached Year 9 the focus is on more advanced skills leading to major projects.  Students cover the skills and knowledge of ICT, and are then given open-ended tasks to solve using the skills acquired.   Within the major projects students are expected to make independent decisions regarding how to solve the problems set, and apply all the skills and knowledge they have at their disposal. It is expected that by the time students graduate from Key Stage 3 they are able to use the skills and knowledge learned to support ICT independently at examination level, and also many of the other examination courses they follow at Key Stage 4.

In year 9 some students also have an option to complete a GCSE in ICT. These students will follow the same course as Key Stage 4 students

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 students are able to select ICT as one of their examination choices.  The course offered is the Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA).  This course is part of the Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA) range of qualifications.  The course will cover 2 options and is worth 2 GCSEs. However some students will be given the opportunity to complete extra units to gain additional qualifications. Students can gain grades from A*-G, depending on the level of entry.

The course provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to design and produce effective publications for print and screen, which are fit for audience and purpose.  The students also have to create graphic and multimedia products.

The course is very practical, covering main areas of ICT, giving students experiences that will be valuable in the world of work and in further/higher education and training.

There are no examinations to sit at the end of Year 11 as assessment is based purely the completion of coursework units.  The course is demanding but students appreciate the useful skills they are acquiring whilst following the course, as well as, of course, the final qualification they achieve.

 KS5

Students entering the sixth form can choose from a number of qualifications at advanced (Level 3) and intermediate (Level 2): Choices include:

·         BTEC 1^st Diploma Level 2- an introductory vocational qualification that provides students with the opportunity to gain specific knowledge and understanding of concepts required for the business world. Students are able to move on to Level 3 courses on completion of this qualification. The diploma is equivalent to 4 GCSEs A*- C.

·         BTEC National Business Level 3 – provides students with a broad knowledge of the world of business.  In Year 12 and 13 students must complete six portfolio assignments.  The students’ Year 12 grades are combined with their Year 13 grades to give them an overall qualification. Students can achieve a single, double or treble qualification equivalent to1-3 A - Levels. The grade range for BTEC Business is A to E.

·         A -  Level Business Studies – helps students to develop an understanding of business organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.  Students are encouraged to consider business behaviour from a variety of perspectives, using an investigative approach. Assessment at AS and A2 level is measured purely by examination. There are 2 exams each year

 

·          A - Level ICT -   Students are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of how ICT can be used in different types of organisation in society and the implications of its use. These implications revolve around some of the ethical, environmental, legal and economic issues that have evolved with the use of ICT. A - Level ICT is assessed through examination and coursework elements.

 The ICT and Business Department 2012/2013: 

• "The purpose of the ICT and Business department is to build students awareness of the continuing growth in the use of Information Communication Technologies in society and also help students to develop the required skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to using a range ICT tools."

  ICT & Business Subject Leader - Sharon Folkes