Information Technology

The courses within the department aim to develop key skills and enhance young people’s career prospects in the workplace and higher education. The department also offers a range of extra-curricular activities.

KEYSTAGE THREE

Throughout years 7, 8 and 9 the following areas are covered:

Internet safety and communication.

Block based programming.

Text based programming.

Searching the internet and collecting information.
Website authoring and design.
Spreadsheet modelling.

KEYSTAGE FOUR

At KS4 the following courses are delivered:

BTEC IT Users (PEARSON):

The BTEC IT Users course has been designed to address the needs of Level 1/2 learners in key areas. The aim of this course is to enable learners to use IT tools to communicate and exchange information safely, securely and effectively with different audiences. Learners will also consider the impacts of IT. Specialist units in the course include:

• Unit 201 – Improving productivity using IT.
• Unit 225 – Producing a presentation.
• Unit 227 – Spreadsheet software.
• Unit 228 – Producing a website.

WJEC Digital Technology:

The WJEC GCSE qualification in Digital Technology is a broad-based qualification that allows learners to build on the digital skills, knowledge and understanding that is used both in their school and everyday lives. The qualification is designed for learners who wish to begin their journey towards a career that utilises digital technologies or to progress onto advanced level programmes of learning involving digital technologies.

 The qualification will allow learners to develop their understanding of the range of digital technology systems at use in our connected and globalised society. It will also allow learners to explore the ever-evolving nature of digital technology systems and how these systems can be used productively, creatively and safely.

WJEC Computer science:

Computer science integrates well with subjects across the curriculum. It demands both logical discipline and imaginative creativity in the selection and design of algorithms and the writing, testing and debugging of programs; it relies on an understanding of the rules of language at a fundamental level; it encourages an awareness of the management and organisation of computer systems; it extends learners’ horizons beyond the school or college environment in the appreciation of the effects of computer science on society and individuals.

The WJEC GCSE in Computer Science has been designed to give an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computer science and a broad scope of study opportunities. This specification has been designed to free centres to concentrate on innovative delivery of the course by having a streamlined, uncomplicated, futureproof structure, with realistic technological requirements.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1. Dinnertime Gaming club.
2. Robotics (using Lego NXT programmable robots).
3. Programming / coding club.

Technocamps projects:

• Kodu programming. Technocamps provide pupils with experience of programming using xbox controllers.

• Python programming to take place at Penydre.