• Mrs S McLaughlin (Head of Department)
• Mrs S Curran (Head of Key Stage 3)
• Mr F Quinn
• Mr M Hoban

Key Stage 3

What will I study?

 How will I be assessed?

Project based assessment twice a year

GCSE Digital Technology

OVERVIEW

This qualification is available as: – a digital authoring qualification focusing on multimedia, GCSE Digital Technology (Multimedia); and – a digital development qualification focusing on programming, GCSE Digital Technology (Programming).

• All students study Unit 1: Digital Technology. They then choose either the multimedia or the programming route and study the relevant two units for their chosen route.
• Students cannot combine units from each route; they can only be entered for Units 1, 2 and 3 or Units 1, 4 and 5.
• The content relates directly to current software development trends and the study of modern technology based systems.
• The specification develops practical skills using a range of generic software or in an object-oriented environment.

SPECIFICATION SUMMARY

This specification aims to encourage students to:

• acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of digital technology in a range of contexts;
• acquire creative and technical digital technology skills and apply these in a range of contexts;
• develop and evaluate digital technology based solutions to solve problems;
• develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and the social and commercial impact of these technologies;
• develop their understanding of the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental impact of digital technology;
• recognise potential risks when using digital technology and develop safe, secure and responsible practice; and
• develop the skills needed to work collaboratively.

ROUTE A: MULIMEDIA (This is the route we will follow)

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

The specification develops practical skills using a range of generic software or in an object-oriented environment. It provides a sound basis for further study in both GCE Digital Technology and GCE Software Systems Development.

CROSS-CURRICULAR SKILLS, THINKING SKILLS AND PERSONAL CAPABILITIES THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED

This specification builds on the learning experiences from Key Stage 3 as required for the statutory Northern Ireland Curriculum. It also offers opportunities for students to contribute to the aim and objectives of the Curriculum at Key Stage 4, and to continue to develop the Cross-Curricular Skills and the Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities. The extent of the development of these skills and capabilities will be dependent on the teaching and learning methodology used. Although not referred to separately as a statutory requirement at Key Stage 4 in the Northern Ireland Curriculum, Managing Information and Being Creative may also remain relevant to learning.

GCSE Computing

Brief Overview of courses

The course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. Students will no doubt be familiar with the use of computers and other related technology from their other subjects and elsewhere. However, this course will give them an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming, which many students find absorbing.

This course will essentially teach you how to think and is ideally suited to motivated students who can work independently.   Programming

The course provides excellent preparation for higher study and employment in the field of computer science. The increasing importance of information technologies means there will be a growing demand for professionals who are qualified in this area. Students who’ve taken a GCSE in Computing and who then progress to study the subject at A Level or university will have an advantage over their colleagues who are picking up the subject at these levels.

The course will develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills through the study of computer programming, giving students a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and even applied in day-to-day life.

Useful links

What is Computer Programming and why is it so popular? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvAsqPbz9Ro

Try it for free at –  www.codecademy.com or  https://code.org/learn

Course Summary – http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/137815-summary-brochure.pdf

An Introduction to Object Oriented Development in C# [Downloadable PDF]  – www.robmiles.com

Download Visual Studio 2015 Community [free] for C# Development – https://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/products/visual-studio-community-vs.aspx

IT Careers in NI – bringitonni.info

A level Software Systems Development

Skills Developed

This specification aims to encourage students to:

• develop a genuine interest in software systems development with a focus on programming
• develop an understanding of systems approaches and modelling techniques to support software development
• develop software development skills that will prepare them for work in today’s software industry
• participate in the development of a software project using a complete software development process
• demonstrate their understanding and application of key concepts through challenging internal and external assessment

Assessment

• The course is made up of 4 Units: (2 x AS) + (2 x A2)
• A grade will be awarded on completion of the AS units and the overall grade will be awarded on completion of the A2 assessments.
• A Level Software Systems Development Requirement: GCSE Maths Grade A + GCSE Computing or ICT Grade A

What will I Study?

Year 13 Units

As 1 : Introduction to Object Oriented Development ( Written Exam)

• Software
• Defining data
• Program Control Structures
• Objects
• Data Structures
• Exception Handling
• Managing Input/output
• Testing an Object oriented Application

As 2 : Event Driven Programming (Internal Assessment)

This unit provides students with an opportunity to implement and develop object oriented technologies in an event driven environment. Students are able to state requirements and design, implement, test and evaluate their application. This unit is internally assessed and will cover the following:

• Defining graphical User Interface (GUI) Objects
• Understanding events
• Using Multiple Forms
• Designing an Event Driven Application
• Linking an Object Application to Simple files
• Testing an Event Driven Application
• Evaluation an Event Driven Application

Year 14 Units

A2 1 : Systems Approaches and Database Concepts (written exam)

The unit introduces important database concepts enabling the student to understand relational database systems, implemented through Structured Query Language (SQL). This unit is externally assessed through a two-hour question paper with a pre-release case study. CCEA will publish the pre-release case study in March each year for use in that examination series. Course content includes:

• Reasons for Systems Development

• Systems Methodologies

• Managing Projects

• Testing

• Database Concepts

• Entity Relationship (ER) Models

• Normalisation

• Structured Query Language (SQL)

 A2 2: Implementing Solutions (Internal assessment)

This unit provides students with an opportunity to design and implement a solution to a given problem using the knowledge and skills acquired in the preceding units. The students implement an agreed design using an appropriate software tool. The unit allows them to experience the elements of the systems development process. We require students to build their solutions using an RDMS through an event driven programming environment. This unit is internally assessed with a pre-release case study. Students must use the pre-release case study throughout. Coursework will include the following:

• Applying Project Management techniques to the Development Process

• Selecting a Systems Approach to the Solution of a Business Problem

• Defining & Documenting user requirements

• Documenting the Design of the Solution & Testing the Design

• Developing and Implementing a Desktop Solution using an RDBMS through an Event Driven Programming Environment

• Testing the Solution

• Evaluating the solution

What does the AS consist of?

AS 1: Introduction to Object Oriented Development: 2hr written exam : 50% of AS

AS 2: Event Driven Programming : Internal assessment : 50% of AS

As qualification = 40% of A Level

What does the A2 consist of?

A2 1: Systems Approaches and Database Concepts: 2hr Written Exam : 30% of the A -Level

A2 2: Implementing Solutions : Internal assessment – 30% of the A – Level.

Career Opportunities

Computing jobs are amongst the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction ratings. Demand for Computing skills has continued to grow with an every – increasing employment rate right through the last 3 years despite the impact of the global recession. Computing is very often associated with innovation and developments in computing tend to drive it. This, in turn, is the key to national competitiveness. The possibilities for future developments are expected to be even greater than they have been in the past. Mathematics, Engineering and Science all disciplines and career paths complemented by the skills developed from A – Level Software Systems Development.

GCE Digital Technology

Digital Technology incorporates aspects of computer science and information technology(IT). The subject explores how technology can be used to create, store, process, analyse and present information in a digital context.

The influence of digital technology in our lives continues to accelerate. Current and emerging technologies transform the way we communicate, how we work and the way we learn. As a result, almost all organisations will value the knowledge, understanding and skills that GCE Digital Technology develops.

This qualification is for students who are interested in current and emerging technologies, the impact they have and how to utilise them effectively.

Benefits to Pupils

This is likely to appeal to anyone, but particularly those students who enjoyed studying an

IT-related subject, Mathematics, the Sciences or Technology and Design at GCSE.

• Students will acquire skills that are valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace. These include research, investigation, analysis, communication skills, problem-solving and working with others.
• Students use the knowledge and skills they have acquired to develop an application for a specified end user.
• Students will identify user requirements for an application that they will design, develop and test to ensure it meets the needs of the end user.

What will I study?

AS 1: :Approaches to System Development (Exam)

• Reasons for System Development; Analysis, Design, Develop and Test, Implementation
• Alternative Development approaches
• Software Projects
• Security Issues
• Programming Environment
• Program Structure

AS Unit 2 : Fundamentals of Digital Technology (Exam)

• • Bits and Bytes
  • Binary and Decimal Numbers
  • Data, Information & Knowledge
  • Data Validation & Verification
  • Hardware Architecture
  • The User Interface
  • Data Compression
  • System Software
  • Application Software
  • Processing Systems
  • Web applications
  • Web site development

A2 1 : Information Systems (Exam)

• Network resources
• Protocols
• Transmission Media
• Error Detection and Correction
• Databases
• Applications of digital technology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Expert Systems
• Natural Language and Voice Recognition
• Robotics
• Mobile Technologies
• Data Mining
• Cloud Computing
• Legislation
• Moral and Ethical Considerations

A2 2: Application Development (Internal practical assessment)

•  Analyse the problem
• Design an appropriate solution to the real world problem
• Develop the solution
• Test the solution
• Evaluate the solution
• Develop user support documentation

Assessment

 The course is made up of 4 units (2 x AS + 2 x A2)

Year 13 (As Units)

Module 1: Approaches to System Development (1½ hour exam) – 50% of As

Module 2: Fundamentals of Digital technology (1½ hour exam) – 50% of As

As qualification = 40% of A level

Year 14 (A2 Units)

Module 1: Information systems (2½ hour exam) – 40 % of A level

Module 2: Application Development –(internal assessment) 20% of A level

A2 modules = 60% of A level

Assessment is based on examinations and coursework, the latter marked by the Centre and moderated by CCEA. An overall grade will be awarded at the end of the AS and A2 assessments

Cambridge Technicals

IT Level 3 Introductory Diploma

The 6 units in this qualification are 100% internally assessed (Portfolio Units) by centre assessors and quality assurance personnel and externally moderated by OCR Visiting Moderators.

Pupils will study 3 units in year 13 and year 14.

Year 13

Units of Study

Unit 1 Communication and Employability Skills for IT (Compulsory)

Communication is a vital skill for any individual. The effective use of communication and flexibility of styles is a highly desirable attribute to employers to maintain good working practice. This unit identifies the principles for effective communication and introduces learners to the interpersonal skills and attributes required within a work place and how different combinations and approaches are required for a range of job roles it also identifies the different IT tools available for safe and secure communication and exchange of information within an organisation.

Learners will consider approaches and adapt the way they communicate, depending on their audience. This unit will prepare learners to effectively use various communication channels, within a working environment and to understand what an employer expects of an individual and how to communicate effectively whilst developing their own personal development needs

Learning outcomes

1. Understand the personal attributes valued by employers
2. Understand the principles of effective communication
3. Be able to use IT to communicate effectively
4. Be able to address personal development needs

Unit 2: Information Systems (Compulsory)

The purpose of this unit is to demonstrate the information organisations hold and how this is valuable to an organisation. This unit will help the learner understand the legislation governing information which flows into and out of an organisation and the constraints and limitations that apply to it. The learner will discover that if systems are in place, and information held is correct then the communication within the organisation is a powerful tool and can give any organisation a competitive edge.

This will provide the learner with a greater understanding of how organisations use information internally and externally and the types of information they will encounter. The skills gained by completing this unit will give the learner knowledge of the functionality of information and to produce management information systems.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand how organisations use business information
2. Understand the issues related to use of information
3. Know the features and functions of information systems
4. Be able to use IT tools to produce management information

Unit 23 – Database Design (Optional)

This unit will provide learners with the skills required to enable them to create a relational database. Learners will design a relational database to meet a specified user’s needs and then create the database from their designs. They will use and create a range of features within their database such as queries, forms, reports and a user interface/navigation menu. Finally, learners will understand how to test their relational database, carry out improvements based on feedback and finally evaluate the design.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the features of relational databases
2. Be able to design, create and populate a relational database
3. Be able to test a relational database

Unit 12 –Website Production (Optional)

Nearly all businesses and organisations realise the importance of having a web presence in the 21st century. It provides an opportunity to reach an international audience with their product or brand. Websites need to be well designed to keep visitors returning and avoid excluding user groups by being inaccessible. Companies need to analyse the technical considerations to ensure they do not hinder the user experience. This unit will prepare learners to design, create and test a fully functioning website, while also providing essential grounding knowledge on the architecture, design and security issues that need to be considered.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand web architecture and components
2. Understand the factors that influence website performance
3. Be able to design websites
4. Be able to create websites

Year 14

Units of Study

Unit 27 Digital Graphics

This unit helps the learner to understand the different hardware and software that is available for working on graphic images and the file formats that exist. Learners will understand where these file formats are used and how the delivery method of a graphic has a bearing on the file used in terms of size, resolution and compression. Learners will be able to use the hardware and software needed to create, modify and manipulate images in accordance with clients’ requirements. The learner will understand how to gain user feedback and make changes based on this feedback. Learners will understand the legal framework regulating the acquisition and use of digital graphics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Know the hardware and software required to work with graphic images
2. Understand types of graphic images and graphical file formats
3. Be able to use editing tools to edit and manipulate images
4. Be able to create and modify graphic images to meet user requirements

Unit 43 Understanding Social Media for Business

Social media for business is a widely expanding opportunity for organisations to embrace social media and apply the social technologies to their business to improve and promote business value. From marketing and sales to product and service innovation, social media for business is changing the way people in business connect and the way organisations compete.

The aim of the unit is to give learners the understanding of what social media is, the scope and impact it has, how it is evolving and the opportunities these platforms provide to businesses when promoting themselves or utilising consumer information. By reviewing business practice the learners will be able to identify how to improve service and customer delivery, raise awareness of business and products/services and improve market intelligence to develop a competitive advantage.

Learning outcomes

1. Understand the concept of social media
2. Know the social media for business environment
3. Know benefits of social media for business to an Organisation