ICT Department

Please check back here soon for the ICT Departments' website.

At Barking Abbey School, we provide a thorough introduction to the world of ICT and Computing. This includes a thorough grounding in all the major office applications as well as a study of programming, graphics and web page design.

More importantly, we encourage students to develop their critical faculties by evaluating their work and the work of others and asking how, or whether, ICT can offer the chance of improvement.

Our goal is to enable students to make best use of technology to enrich their lives and add to their capabilities.

The Department has several well-resourced classrooms with active slate, projectors and Internet access.

Key Stage 3

Aims and Philosophy

• Create and foster the enjoyment of ICT and stimulate curiosity about the technology available.
• Give a basic grounding in ICT knowledge that will provide a solid foundation for pupils in their use of ICT in their daily lives.
• Provide awareness of the use of ICT in the workplace and its importance in society today.
• Give pupils the ability to become independent learners so that as new ICT software and hardware becomes available they are confident about attempting to use it.
• Inject pupils with the vision to use ICT creatively.
• Provide pupils with the confidence to implement the skills required to problem solve when using ICT.
• Accelerated

Key Stage 4

ICT is a core subject with all pupils following DIDA.

DiDA is the Diploma in Digital Applications, a revolutionary suite of three paperless qualifications from Edexcel that focuses on the practical application of technology. As a suite of qualifications, DiDA offers progression from the Award (AiDA), which is equivalent to one GCSE, to the Certificate (CiDA). This is delivered over 2 years.

The suite of DiDA qualifications is designed to:-

• develop students’ ability to select and use digital applications appropriately and produce high quality outcomes;
• promote the use of digital applications for achieving a goal.
• enhance creativity and communication;
• equip students with some of the skills that they will need in the workplace or in further education or training;
• develop project management skills;
• free students’ work from paper, making it organised, searchable, dynamic and transportable;
• Encourage students to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of digital applications.
• Standards are set high and students are encouraged to attain them.

Standards of attainment in ICT at the end of Key stage 4 are above national expectations.

The course we offer at KS4 may develop and change according to changes in the subject and developments in the courses offered by the examination boards.

A Level Applied ICT

Introduction

What type of qualification is this?
The GCE in Applied ICT is one of a new family of vocationally focused GCEs. It offers a lot of choice which means that you can tailor it to meet your skills, interests and ambitions. It is ideal if you do not want to take a purely academic-style GCE. You get the best of both worlds by gaining a respected GCE qualification that encompasses a ‘real-world’ vocational approach.

What should a candidate have achieved before taking on a GCE in Applied ICT?
Prior study for GCSE in Applied ICT or GCSE in ICT may be of benefit to you, but is not essential.

Preparation for further study.
The GCE in Applied ICT provides a broad introduction to the subject and prepares you for study in further or higher education. The qualification attracts UCAS points in the same way as ordinary GCEs.

Additional benefits of GCE in Applied ICT
You will acquire the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to create, develop and present high-quality work.

Database design for DiDa coursework.

How will I be Assessed?
In order to be awarded an AS Level Grade, you would have to complete Three Mandatory units:

• Unit 1:- Using ICT to Communicate (Coursework)
• Unit 2:- How organisation use ICT (Exam)
• Unit 3:- ICT Solutions for individuals and society (Coursework)

In order to be awarded an A Level Grade, you will have to complete the three mandatory units (above) and three more units. Please note: there are NO exams in Year 13 Applied ICT.

• Unit 9:- Working to a brief (Coursework)
• Unit 12:- Publishing (Coursework)
• Unit 14:- Developing and creating websites (Coursework)
  

For further information;
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as_alevelgce/applied_ict/index.html
A Level Computing – AQA syllabus

The aim of this course is to help students understand the dynamics involved with computers. It focuses on the inside of the computer and how computers interact with society. Programming will also be involved in some modules.

Module 1: Computer systems, Programming and Network Concepts.
Exam 35%

Module 2: Principles of Hardware, Software and Applications.
Exam 35%

Module 3: Practical Systems Development.
Exam + Cwk 30%

A Level
Module 4: Processing Systems Development.
Exam 15%

Module 5: Advanced Systems Development.
Exam 15%

Module 6: Coursework: 20%

Requirements: All students must have Maths:B, ICT:B