Dundonald High School

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has had a major influence on the way we live, work and learn. Already 60% of existing and 90% of new jobs require some ICT skills. It is therefore essential that all students have a basic understanding of computers and can use common software. Students at Dundonald High School have an hour of ICT every week from years 8 – 10 with many of them choosing to continue the subject for GCSE.

KS3

In KS3, students are introduced to the Microsoft Office package: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher and FrontPage as well as specialist software including Photoshop, Scratch and Photostory. The aim is that every student becomes familiar with the common software that they will use in other subjects, at home and in their future careers. In year 10, students are introduced to software and theory that they will require if they chose to do GCSE ICT. The software includes Microsoft Access and Mediator. The aim of this is to allow students to be better informed about what GCSE ICT involves and help them to choose the right subjects for GCSE.

GCSE

Students who chose to do ICT for GCSE complete the course run by CCEA. The course has three components:

• Unit 1: Tools and Applications
• Unit 2: Using Multimedia and Games Technology
• Unit 3: Understanding ICT Systems in Everyday Life and Its Implications for Individuals, Organisations, Society and the Wider World

Unit 1

Unit 1 is undertaken in year 11. Students learn to use the following software: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Photoshop. This unit is assessed through controlled assessment which has replaced coursework. Controlled assessment is completed in class under exam conditions and students have set time to complete each tasks. They have three tasks to do for the unit and they are completed in October, January and March. This contributes to 30% of their final grade.

Unit 2

Unit 2 is completed in year 12. Students learn to use Mediator, Scratch, FrontPage and Windows Movie Maker. This software teaches them how to create games, WebPages and edit movies, sound and images. This unit is also assessed through controlled assessment in September and February. This unit also makes up 30% of their grade.

Unit 3

Unit 3 runs continuously during year 11 and 12, it is the theory component of the course. Students learn how ICT has impacted on their lives at school, at home and in their future as well as general computer knowledge. They are assessed on this unit at the end of year 12 with a two hour exam. This makes up the remaining 40% of their grade.