In Key Stage 3 we aim to combine and cover all areas of Computer Science and ICT, from digital literacy through to computational thinking. This is key in our aim for our students to have the skills to navigate through a digital world.
Many of the skills the pupils will encounter are key to learning, like problem solving and resilience and will help them to develop independence and employ logical enquiry to every area they encounter.
With computing and ICT now being so central to so many areas of our lives, and the increasing emphasis on IT in the primary curriculum, we hope to build on their knowledge to enable them to tackle the complexities of programming and the basics of systems architecture. They will approach this through projects involving spreadsheets and desktop publishing as well as learning coding and how the computer stores and processes data using this simple number system. Later, we will extend their experience of programming, using HTML to produce simple webpages as well as a unit dealing with cybersecurity to enable them to stay safe online.
Assessment will be through the development of an e-portfolio, with regular opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge. A summative assessment will be carried out four times per year that will test learning acquired through the most recent project as well as topics from previous terms in order to retain earlier learning so it can be built on and extended as the pupils progress through the school.
- Introduction to ICT at BYA
- E-Safety
- PowerPoint
- Word
- Excel
- Rapid Router (Coding)
- E-Safety
- Computational Thinking
- Representations (from Clay to Silicon)
- Mobile App Creation
- Using Media
- Introduction to Python
- Cybersecurity
- Python (Coding)
- Business Plan
- Development of Website
- Data Science
- Python Programming
KS4 Digital Information Communication Technology
Course title and type of qualification: Vocational Award in Digital Information Technology
The BTEC Technical Award in Digital InformationTechnology will assess the application of ICT skills through student’s practical use. It will provide students with essential knowledge, transferable skills and tools to enhance their employability when they leave education, contributing to their personal development and future economic well-being.Through this course, students will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection.
This qualification will equip students with soundICT skills for everyday use and provide opportunities to develop in context those desirable, transferable skills such as planning, research and analysis.It will also challenge students, whatever your ability, by introducing them to demanding material and skills; encouraging independence and creativity; providing tasks that engage with the most taxing aspects of the National Curriculum, including data handling and modelling.
There is a significant amount of coursework in this course, which is ideal for pupils who excel at vocational skills. However, it is still academically challenging and needs excellent literacy skills in analysis and evaluation to achieve the higher grades.
The BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology consists of three modules:
Internally assessed components are assessed using a grading scale ranging from Level 1 Pass to Level 2 Distinction. The externally assessed component is marked and awarded using grading descriptors set at Level 1 Pass to Level 2 Distinction. The overall point score will give an outcome from Level 1 pass to Level 2 Distinction*
Students who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:
Students who generally achieve at Level 1 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:
Students who perform strongly in this qualification compared to their overall performance should strongly consider this progression route as it can lead ultimately to employment in the digital sector.
Examination Board: BTEC/Edexcel, Pearson
