ICT Coleraine College
Young people need to be able to use ICT confidently, proficiently and safely in today’s society, be it for leisure activities, or in the world of work and education. Within the Northern Ireland Curriculum ICT is a key skill which is required across the full spectrum of the curriculum. We therefore give high priority to enabling our pupils to develop their ICT knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Key Stage 3
In junior school all year 8, 9 and 10 pupils are allocated time to follow a course which provides an overview of the main uses of computers. Pupils are taught to use generic software, such as word processors, databases, spreadsheets, graphics and multimedia packages, and communication software which are particularly useful across all subject areas, as well as web authoring packages, games development software and control programs. The associated activities provide opportunities for pupils to develop personal skills such as problem solving, managing information, and being creative.
Key Stage 4
The CCEA Entry Level Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
This course is designed for students who typically have not reached Level 3 of the Northern Ireland Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3 or for whom GCSE and equivalent vocational qualifications are not considered appropriate.
Through Entry Level ICT, students learn how to gather, store, process and present information. Students also learn how to use ICT to solve simple problems using appropriate techniques, hardware and software.
ICT helps students develop:
· a basic understanding of the wider applications and effects of ICT, with particular reference to the world of work;
· problem-solving skills that can be used across the entire curriculum; and
· the ability to think creatively and imaginatively.
GCSE ICT (CCEA)
The ICT option is popular at GCSE level as students have the opportunity to achieve the full range of grades (A* - G) from a very practical and enjoyable courses.
Through studying this course, students become more independent and discerning users of ICT who can make informed decisions about its use. They have opportunities to acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts. They also develop their understanding of new technologies and their impact on society. They take a practical approach, developing and evaluating ICT-based solutions of their own to solve problems. At the same time, they focus on ensuring that their practice is safe, secure and responsible.
This specification has three units:
- Tools and Applications;
- Using Multimedia and Games Technology; and
- Understanding ICT Systems in Everyday Life and Its Implications for Individuals, Organisations, Society and the Wider World.
Pupils now have the option of following BTEC courses:
Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate
This course covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the IT Industry and is equivalent to two GCSEs. It offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter and is delivered by completion of two compulsory and two optional units
Compulsory units:
Communicating in the IT industry
Working in the IT industry
Optional Units (two from):
Business IT skills
IT Support
Mobile Communications Technology
Website Development
Presenting Information Using ICT
‘A’ Level Courses
Post 16 pupils are given the option of taking the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT. This is equivalent to one ‘A’ level and is delivered by one of our partners in the Coleraine Area Learning Partnership.
Relevant websites:
www.teach-ict.com
http://www.reviseict.co.uk/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/
www.c2kni.net
http://learningni.net