Archbishop Sancroft
Church of England High School
Computer Science and IT
Computer Science and IT
Mr J Cracknell - Head of Dept.
“I DO NOT FEAR COMPUTERS. I FEAR THE LACK OF THEM.........'(Isaac Asimov’ )
Digital Literacy is a key requirement of employers and also for those wishing to go on to further or higher education. Our world is full of Information Technology and the ability to understand it and the impact on society is key to the way we all work and ultimately behave in society.
Some aspects of IT have not changed in about 30years. Key spreadsheet formulas have remained almost the same, yet the programs have evolved to be more functional to how we process and present data.
IT is also the industry that brings the most profit - it is above oil and retail! It is key to every business operation and students need to be ahead of those in other countries as we live in an international jobs market.
Key Stage 3
The Department of Education are in the process of making changes to the IT Curriculum and requirements. Once these are published and digested then we will update this page.If you have any enquires about the current curriculum please contact ict@ashs.org.uk
From September 2012 regular testing, marking and feedback for student work will be completed online using our VLE. This means that students will be able to access their marks and feedback at any stage during KS3 to view their progress and the areas that they need to work on in order to improve.
Students can opt to study GCSE ICT in Years 10 and 11.The course is examined with a 40% theory exam (written paper) and 60% coursework (controlled assessment for 40hrs). Almost all the materials for the course are online using our VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). This includes a number of multimedia and other resources.Curriculum Coverage:The coursework content currently covers:
- Word Processing
- Presentations (including interactive presentations)
- Desktop Publishing
- Web Design
- Audio (Podcasts)
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
The theory side looks at the following topic areas in-depth:
- Communications
- Use of Mobile ICT
- Entertainment
- Smart Working
- Shopping & Business
- Health and Well-being
The coverage is detailed, up to date with current technology (revised annually) and covers the gadgets that students like to use e.g. iPods, mobile phones and games consoles!
Homework & Extended Learning:
Coursework: During coursework times (spread over the 2 years) students are required to locate and find information and resources to help them during their controlled assessment time. This preparation is crucial towards completing the controlled assessment in the time allowed and to progress their skills further.
Theory: Students will be expected to complete a variety of tasks as required to help them with learning and understanding GCSE ICT theory. In addition to answering examination questions and practising their skills for the final exam.
Functional Skills ICT
In Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11) all students currently study ICT Functional Skills during an hour a week lessons.
It is a qualification that enables students to gain skills and understanding in ICT that they can apply to different situations.
The areas covered include:
- Presentation - Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, Slides
- Spreadsheets
- Internet
- General Computer Skills
- Viruses/malware/spam
- Copyright legislation
Examination:
The exam lasts for 2 hours and is taken at Level 1 or Level 2. A Level 1 qualifcation is worth the equivalent of half a E/F grade (12.5 points), whilst a Level 2 qualification is worth the equivalent of half a B grade (23 points)
Homework:
Students are expected to practice the skills that they have learnt in their own time. They can do this using Google Documents which is similar in format to Microsoft Office if they do not have Excel at home.
In addition they will need to revise the theory learnt during the course, all the material is available online on our VLE and covers areas such as Copyright, Anti-viruses and Good Computer Practice.
