Head of department Mr Don Michael

The aim of the ICT department is to ensure that all pupils are equipped to deal with the demands of our modern technological society. To support this aim we offer a range of qualifications as well as promoting our own programme of study at KS 3, which broadly follows National Curriculum guidelines. Pupils are encouraged to develop their own skills beyond the classroom through extensive resources and materials provided on the School's portal supporting them in becoming independent learners.

Over the past thirty years ICT has progressively made more of an impact on all of our lives and this continues to be proven the case today. At Aldenham we have recognised this fact and continue to make a significant investment in ICT in providing our pupils with the best possible opportunities to develop their skills and understanding of ICT within a modern society. ICT remains one of the leading sectors which demands high quality graduates and all sectors of Academia, Industry and Commerce require ICT skills and knowledge.

Departmental Aims

· Develop an awareness of the moral and ethical issues pertaining to the use of ICT in a modern society.

· Develop the ICT capability of all students and enable them to effectively utilise their skills in solving problems in all areas of their academic career.

· Support the provision and delivery of ICT throughout the School.

· Develop pupils' understanding of the role of ICT in modern society.

· Develop an awareness of the limitations of ICT to provide solutions.

Qualifications offered

KS 5 AQA ‘A' level in ICT

ICT is a popular A Level subject choice, emphasising both practical skills and the application of ICT within businesses and organisations. This modern syllabus was introduced in 2009 and attempts to encompass new technology as it emerges and is developed. The syllabus is organised into four modules, two modules at AS and two taken for A2.

The AS modules are “practical problem solving in the digital world” (INFO1) and “living in the digital world” (INFO2). Module 1 problem solving in the digital world is involved with providing students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the development of ICT systems through practical experience in using a range of applications software in a structured way. Students should then be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding gained from this practical work to the solution of problems. Module 2 living in a digital world is designed to give students the wider

picture of the use of ICT and to enable the understanding of basic terms and concepts involved in the study of the subject. Students should be able to discuss and comment on issues from a position of knowledge and they can do this only if they have the knowledge and understanding that underpins the subject.

The A2 modules are “The use of ICT in the Digital World” (INFO3) and “Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World” (INFO4). Module 3 The use of ICT in the digital world looks at the fast changing subject of ICT, including developments in technology and ICT system capabilities, and how this might affect the world that makes use of ICT. The unit is designed to address issues associated with the management of ICT and its use within organisations. Module 4 Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World provides students with the opportunity to complete a substantial project involving the production of an ICT-related system over an extended period of time. In so doing, students will draw on and enhance their transferable practical skills.

KS 4 Cambridge IGCSE in ICT

Cambridge IGCSE is internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to UK GCSE. The IGCSE ICT syllabus encourages students to develop practical skills in a wide range of applications as well as developing an understanding of the requirements of ICT in the world at large. The syllabus is structured into three modules, two practical and one theory. The Cambridge IGCSE syllabus provides a solid foundation for higher level courses such as GCE A and AS Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma as well as excellent preparation for employment.

KS3 ECDL and National Curriculum

In years 8 and 9 pupils undertake the British Computer Society's ECDL Essentials qualification. This qualification aims to give the pupils a good understanding of ICT basics and is comprised of three modules. Module 1 “Security for ICT users” provides the learner with an essential understanding of how to use a computer in a safe and secure manner, protecting their data and that of other users. Module 2 “IT user fundamentals” builds the learners' confidence by teaching basic interaction with computers, from start up to productive use and basic computer house-keeping. Module 3 “Using e-mail and the Internet” helps the learner understand how to usethe internet and email in a safe and secure way. It explains key terms and builds a knowledge of the fundamentals of computer security, and how to start browsing the internet and using email.

Year 7 follow a programme based on the National Curriculum for ICT. The emphasis is to develop the pupils' technical skills and techniques as well as applying these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly. They are taught how to use ICT to research, refine, and present information in a meaningful way as well as how to model situations and solve problems.