Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology forms a vital part of the curriculum here at St Augustine's and its framework provides a supportive environment for integrated learning. In conjunction with curriculum based teaching (both practical and theoretical) transferable ICT skills are taught and encouraged.
The girls can then use these skills to enhance other areas of learning. The School's two ICT Suites provide learning environments that support this extra curricular use and that help to develop a safe, mature and proactive approach to ICT.
Information by Years
Age 4- 11 or Key Stage 1 & 2
ICT is introduced in the classroom from age 4, allowing the girls time to explore the basic functions of the subject and use the classroom interactive whiteboards. By age 8 the girls take lessons in the ICT Suite working on the School network, sending and receiving emails, using interactive educational CDs and starting to explore graphic design.
Age 11- 14 or Key Stage 3
Following a solid foundation, this period of study offers the pupils the opportunity to explore and develop effective use of the Internet such as:
Online research techniques and search engines
• Creating a hyperlink
• Internet vocabulary
• Email etiquette
• Internet safety, and
• Website design, graphics, updates, use of logos and slogans
With a solid foundation in place the girls are then entered into the ECDL (European Driving License for ICT). They have two years once entered to complete the seven units of the course.
ECDL improves learners’ understanding of computers and promotes efficient use of software. The course opens up a variety of opportunities through the broad range of skills it provides.
The qualification is widely recognised by employers as proof of ability and competence when working with IT.
The seven ECDL Units are:
Age 14 - 16 or Key Stage 4
GCSE - AQA Examination Board
Pupils studying ICT for a GCSE qualification will sit one examination for 40% of their grade and produce coursework and a project for 30% (each) of their grade.
The girls create their projects based on exam board set scenarios, using a selection of software.
Although the girls gain software experience the main benefits of the GCSE projects are, developing project management skills, problem solving and self motivation.
Age 16-18 or Key Stage 5
AS & A2 Level - OCR Examination Board
ICT capability is characterised by an ability to gather skills to transfer to the business world, such as;
• Using ICT tools and information sources effectively
• Analysing, processing and presenting information
• Modelling, measuring and controlling external events.
The AS Level award comprises of three modules each:
Unit G040 Using ICT to communicate (33% assessed by portfolio)
• The information age;
• Communication of information;
• Accuracy and readability;
• Styles of presentation;
• How organisations present information;
• Standard ways of working.
Unit G041 How organisations use ICT (33% assessed by external exam)
• Types of organisation;
• Functions within organisations;
• Information and its use;
• ICT systems;
• The impact of ICT on working practices;
• The impact of ICT on methods of production;
• Legislation.
Unit G042: ICT solutions for individuals and society (33% assessed by portfolio)
• Public-service websites;
• Search engines;
• Databases;
• Use of spreadsheet facilities;
• Development of spreadsheets to present results of data analysis;
• Presentation of the results of an investigation.
The A2 consists of a further 3 units but these are chosen according to the interests of the students. They may include
• Working to a brief (Compulsory)
• Numerical modelling using spreadsheets
• Interactive multimedia products
• Publishing
• Artwork and imaging
• Developing and creating websites
• Software development
• Networking solutions
• Program design, production and testing
• Database design
• Developing and maintaining ICT systems for users
• ICT solutions for people with individual needs
Progression
The study of ICT to this level gives the girls great scope to develop their interpersonal, problem solving and creative skills and to take their ICT skills forward for life. The course provides an ideal foundation for those students who wish to pursue ICT at degree level or as a career. Or it just means you have a set of ICT skills that you can take off with you into the big bad world!