The ICT department has 4 specialist computer suites equipped with Windows operating systems, each suite has 30 networked computers. Each networked workstation enables pupils to access a full range of resources

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

During Years 7,8 and 9 all pupils study ICT for one hour per week and follow the National Key Stage 3 strategy. ICT is also used to support learning across the curriculum.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)

ICT is a compulsory subject in Years 10 and 11 and pupils have 3 hours ICT tuition per week. At Key stage 4 pupils will follow either Edexcel GNVQ ICT at Intermediate or Foundation level. Pupils have to submit four pieces of coursework using Spreadsheets, Databases, Web design and Presentation software. Pupils also have to sit two 1½ hour exams on Sources of Information and Presenting Information. The course is equivalent to four GCSE’s at grades A-C.

More details on this course can be found at the Edexcel website www.Edexcel.org.uk/quals/gnvq/ict

From September 2006 Pupils will study the successor to the GNVQ Intermediate. The new course will be DiDA, this is the Diploma in Digital Applications, a revolutionary suite of three paperless qualifications from Edexcel that focuses on the practical application of technology. The Dida qualifications prepare pupils for the real world of work or further education. The full Diploma (Dida) is equivalent to four GCSE’.

More information about the course can be found at www.Edexcel.org.uk/home/aboutdida.

Sixth Form (Post-16)

In the sixth form courses are offered in single award Advanced ICT (AVCE) and the GNVQ Intermediate ICT for one year sixth form students. The AVCE is a six unit course taught for 5 hours per week. Students study three units in Year 12 and three units in Year 13. More details of this course can be found at the exam boards website
www.aqa.org.uk/qual/avce/ict.html

From September 2005 the successor to the AVCE will be taught. This new course, the Applied GCE AS/A Information and Communication Technology is taught over two years. More information about the course can be found at www.aqa.org.uk/qual/GCEApplied/ict.html