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Year 7
In Year 7 we teach skills which can be used in all subjects. We work through eight units of assessed work. These are listed below:
Unit 1 – Introduction – In this unit basic computer skills are learned, such as file naming conventions, creating folders, network access and Microsoft Word skills.
Unit 2 – E-Safety – In this unit we teach pupils the dangers of the internet and how to browse safely. We feel that using the internet safely and knowing when not to give out certain information is very important in today’s society.
Unit 3 – E-portfolio – Each pupil will build an electronic portfolio, in the format of a website, where they will store all of their work throughout the year. They will use web authoring package Adobe Dreamweaver to do this.
Unit 4 – Modelling – Pupils learn the essentials of spreadsheet modelling, and basic formulae. This is an important factor and building graphs and charts can help in other subjects such as Maths and Geography.
Unit 5 – Movie Maker – The pupils will plan and gather resources to make a short movie about themselves, using Microsoft Movie Maker software.
Unit 6 – Databases – The pupils will experience data handling and the processes involved. They will source information from their colleagues and input the data into a database where they can then search, refine and display the data appropriately.
Unit 7 – DTP – Desk Top Publishing – Pupils will look at existing magazines, posters, leaflets and logos and evaluate their effectiveness, moving on to make their own versions of these publications using Microsoft Publisher.
Unit 8 – Computer Systems – Pupils will learn about computer hardware and how it works. They will take computers apart and rebuild them, as well as learning all the key features of the motherboard and its relative components.
Year 8
Year 8 is introduced by recapping over some basic computer skills learned in Year 7, thereafter progressing through the year, covering many areas which are mapped to reflect the ongoing changes in technology. Units are outlined in more detail below:
Unit 1 – Introduction – In this unit basic computer skills are recapped from year 7, such as file naming conventions, creating folders, network access and Microsoft Word skills.
Unit 2 – E-Safety – In this unit we revisit the dangers of the internet and how to browse safely and use social networking and blogging sites sensibly and legally. We feel that using the internet safely and knowing when not to give out certain information is very important in today’s society.
Unit 3 – E-portfolio – Each pupil will build an electronic portfolio, in the format of a website, where they will store all of their work throughout the year. They will use web authoring package Adobe Dreamweaver to do this.
Unit 4 – Information – Pupils learn all about the internet and how information can be presented. How do we know what is truthful and what is not? Which websites are real, and which websites are not? How can we search and find the correct information, quickly, using search engines? All of these important skills are taught in this fun, exciting and challenging unit of work.
Unit 5 – Databases – The pupils will further experience data handling and the processes involved. They will source information from their colleagues and input the data into a database where they can then search, refine and display the data effectively. They will also use advanced database tools such as reports and forms to help display the data more formally.
Unit 6 – Spreadsheets – The pupils will recap their knowledge from year 7 modelling and also engage in some challenging activities to enhance their knowledge of formulae and advanced functions within Microsoft Excel, resulting in creating a user specific spreadsheet model.
Unit 8 – Computer Systems – Pupils will revisit computer hardware and how it works. They will take computers apart and rebuild them, as well as learning all the key functions of the motherboard and its relative components. In addition to the year 7 syllabus pupils will find out about how technology is changing and what implications this has had on society.
Year 9
OCR Nationals Award in ICT (1)
During Year 9 pupils will complete Unit 1, ICT Skills for Business, of this course.
The unit covers a series of skills linked to the opening of a new business. It includes advertising the new business, the creation of business documentation and stationery, using a database to store membership details, the use of spreadsheet tools to deal with financial information and finally emailing.
Interwoven with this will be web searching and the creation of appropriate directory/folder and file structures.
There is no examination. All the pupils have to do is undertake a series of small projects and create evidence to demonstrate what they have done. Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence that is created the grade will be determined.Each of the Assessment objectives will be graded (Pass, Merit or Distinction) and then an overall grade will be awarded based on the pupil’s performance in those units. Pupils then have the choice whether to continue this course in Key Stage 4 and add more units to attain equivalent GCSE qualifications.