Business & ICT Faculty
IT at KS3
The introduction of the new ICT curriculum in September 2009 means students now study at least three fifty minute lessons per week of ICT skills and project based learning. In dedicated IT suites learners work with enthusiastic staff on a variety of engaging projects.
As a faculty we aim to provide students with a solid foundation in preparation for further learning in ICT and Business at KS4.
The new ICT curriculum will introduce students into using the following software:
- Typing Skills
- Scratch Animation
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Desktop Publishing
- Database
- PowerPoint
- Movie Maker
IT at KS4
OCR coursework is started at the beginning of Year 9 during which time learners develop their evaluation and analysis skills to prepare them for Year 10.
Information Technology is a very important qualification for young people entering the job market today. As a compulsory subject, at KS4 every student will have four fifty minute lessons of ICT a week.
As part of our commitment pupils receive expert ICT tuition within a dedicated ICT team. Equipment and software are up-dated regularly and new initiatives are integrated into the Curriculum as a standard.
Students are offered additional support and coursework guidance during study club sessions on a weekly basis. They are also able to take advantage of the lunchtime sessions held from 12.30-1pm., Monday to Thursday in the I.T. Suite.
Pupils will leave Ridgeway High school with a good level of IT literacy and will have had experience of working with a variety of software including:
- Standard Business Software
- Databases
- Spreadsheets
- Web Authorising Software
- Publishing Software
OCR National in ICT
Information Technology is a very important qualification for young people entering the job market today. Colleges and universities will require at least a basic level of computer and software literacy, as will junior level entry into most careers. As a compulsory subject, every student will leave Ridgeway High school with a good level of IT literacy and will have had experience of working with a variety of software including:
- Standard Business Software
- Databases
- Spreadsheets
- Web Authoring Software
- Publishing Software
The OCR course consists of units of work which each take a set number of hours to complete. 2.5 OCR units are equivalent to one GCSE, therefore depending upon the ability of the learner; students can achieve the equivalent of 3-4 GCSE's. The course consists of 100% coursework.
During the middle of YR10 students are given the option of either studying a Business qualification or Level 3 ICT qualification;
OCR National in Business
This qualification allows students to explore the dynamics of business structure, operations, finance and marketing. Students will examine the things that influence business success; from how to spot a market opportunity to how to plan and forecast accurately. These business skills are essential for success in employment and higher education.
The OCR course consists of units of work which each take a set number of hours to complete, 3 OCR units are equivalent to two GCSE's. The course consists of 100% coursework.
This means that by the time students leave in Yr11, they can achieve up to 5 GCSE's from the ICT & Business department.
AS Level ICT
Students that choose to study the AS Level ICT course a year early are given the opportunity to:
- Develop a broad range of ICT skills and knowledge of the uses of ICT in vocational contexts, as a basis for progression into further learning in ICT-related fields, including progression from AS to A2;
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the components, functions and applications of information systems within a range of organisations;
- Develop an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using ICT and develop the skills necessary to apply this understanding.
The AS Level ICT course consists of 1 examined unit worth 40% and 2 coursework units worth 60% of the overall grade.
The units covered are:
- Unit 1 (Coursework) – Using ICT to Communicate
- Unit 2 (External Examination) – How organisations use ICT
- Unit 3 (Coursework) – ICT solutions for individuals and society
