Information and Communication Technology

Introduction

Rishworth School’s ICT Department has two, full-class suites of networked computers running Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2007 and a wide range of additional application specific packages. These environments are supported by a variety of tools that enable effective and engaging delivery of the subject, including interactive whiteboards, overhead projectors and network software that enables the teacher remotely to view or control student’s PCs.

The enthusiasm shown by students for ICT is harnessed by the Department with real “hands-on” lessons in order to develop necessary skills and experience. Students build confidence with using the technology that stands them in very good stead for cross-curricular use of ICT or for further study of the subject at GCSE and A Level.

ICT @ at Rishworth

All members of the Lower School have weekly ICT lessons where they develop a broad range of skills using a wide variety of software including Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Graphics, Presentation, Communications, Audio, Control and Web-Authoring packages. By the end of Year 9, students are expected to be confident and proficient users in all these areas and therefore in a strong position to either study the subject at GCSE or use their skills to support their studies in other subject areas.

The School places exceptionally strong emphasis upon e-Safety and offers a comprehensive approach to this area, including the delivery of a nationally-recognised and government-agency-developed e-Safety training programme in conjunction with an extremely powerful and flexible, in-house web-filter that operates on all PCs in the School.

More detailed information about the School's e-Safety programme can be found here.

GCSE Information and Communication Technology is a popular option choice for Rishworth students, with the majority electing to study the subject in Year 10. The EDEXCEL GCSE Specification has been chosen for its forward-thinking and relevant approach to the subject. Moving away from viewing ICT as a stand-alone subject, this new Specification firmly places ICT as a life-skill, exploring the ways in which it is shaping our society and how we as individuals can position ourselves to be safe, responsible and effective users of ICT on a day-to-day basis. This is an exciting GCSE that builds firmly upon the passion that young people already have for the technology in their lives - from the Internet to mobile phones and even games consoles.
Assessment is through a practical, Controlled Assessment (worth 60%) and a terminal Examination (worth 40%).

For students who wish to extend and deepen their study of ICT, Rishworth offers an A Level in ICT. The AQA A Level Specification has been chosen to assist those who wish to progress to Higher Education courses or employment where an understanding of how ICT is used in Society and in Business (along with the implications of its use) is an invaluable asset. A Level ICT students are required to manage real-world projects with real-world clients whilst developing high-level personal, learning and problem-solving skills. They are required to provide ICT-based solutions to a wide range of problems and to be alert to current and emerging advances in technology. To do well in this subject, students must be very confident users of ICT and students should normally possess at least a Grade C at GCSE.

This A Level is ideally suited for those wishing to pursue a career in the world of ICT and/or Business as it is fine-tuned towards developing a critical awareness of the ways in which ICT can be most effectively developed and deployed in both small- and large-scale organisations.

Assessment in the AS year is through two, equally-weighted terminal examinations (50% of the A Level for each examination) and, in the A2 year, through an additional examination (30% of the A Level) and a practical, coursework-based project (20% of the A Level)