Key Stage 3

The Introductory Unit introduces pupils to the wide expanse of ICT hardware and software in use at Mount Tamar School. Pupils will be introduced to the School network and given their personal logon details before experiencing the range of software available to them.

Unit 1 - Office Tools . This unit introduces pupils to the ICT tools required when working in an office. As part of the unit pupils will produce a letter, create an address book and send and receive emails.

Unit 2 - Communications and e-Safety . This unit introduces pupils to different electronic communications and idea of e-Safety. The course will empower them to make decisions as to how to deal with accessing appropriate and inappropriate materials. As part of the unit pupils will produce a presentation to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of E-safety.

Unit 3 - Graphics Tools. This unit looks at how ICT tools can be used to alter and enhance graphics. Along the way pupils will learn about editing graphics and adding graphics to pages. The assessment for the unit will be in the form of a cartoon which will demonstrate the skills that they have learned during the unit.

Unit 4 - Spreadsheets and Databases. This unit looks at how ICT tools can be used to work out mathematical calculations and predict possible costs (spreadsheets) and search, find, create and edit information (databases).

Unit 5 - Internet Tools. This unit looks at the Internet and how ICT can be used to access, successfully search and create content. As part of the unit pupils will look at web content, create simple web content and look at podcasting.

During the First Revision Unit pupils will have the opportunity to review the work that they have carried out during the last five units and go on to look at any new software and hardware which may have been installed or updated.

Unit 6 - Video Tools This unit looks at how video can be created and edited. To begin with pupils will use stopmotion annimation techniques to create a short 10 - 20 second annimation before going on to look at audio and video creating and editing of video footage.

Unit 7 - Control. This unit looks at control and how ICT can be used to operate not only IT items but also automated systems. As part of the unit pupils will learn about how a greenhouse environment is controlled and use the software package 'Scratch' to design and control simple processes and games.

Unit 8 - Podcasting . This unit looks at how a podcast is put together for publishing in the web environment. Pupils will develop and record their own podcast before editing it ready for putting on the web.

Unit 9 - Publishing on the Web. This unit looks at how pupils can publish using the web environment. Pupils will learn how to use Wiki software to develop pages of linked information.

Unit 10 - A Quiz . This unit looks at how a quiz can be put together using OpenOffice Presenter. Pupils will develop a quiz around ICT and their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

During the Second Revision Unit pupils will have the opportunity to review the work that they have carried out during the last five units and go on to look at any new software and hardware which may have been installed.or updated.

The AQA ELC ICT course consists of 12 units of which pupils must complete:

• Unit 1 - Word Processing

One unit from:

• Unit 2 - Using a Database
• Unit 3 - Using Control Language Software
• Unit 4 - Using a Spreadsheet

And two further units from:

• Unit 5 - Data, Information and Information Systems
• Unit 6 - Using Presentation Software
• Unit 7 - Using the Internet
• Unit 8 - Using Graphics Software
• Unit 9 - Using Digital Imaging Software and Hardware
• Unit 10 - Using Electronic Communications
• Unit 11 - ICT and its Effects on Society
• Unit 12 - Using Music Software

On completion the four completed units are sent away for moderation and a Entry 1, 2 or 3 Certificate awarded.

The Functional Skills course in ICT will be an integral part of future GCSE and Diploma examinations. There will be two levels of award; Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 will be required to access grades A* to C at GCSE and the Level 2 / 3 Diploma. Outline of the programme of study for the Functional Skills course in ICT:

• Topic 1 - Hardware
• Topic 2 - Software
• Topic 3 - Using ICT Effectively
• Topic 4 - How ICT is used for life in modern society

There are two parts to the assessment at the end of the course:

• Assessment 1 - Written examination
  • 60 minute examination
  • Type of questions:
  • Multiple choice
  • Sentence completion
  • Matching pairs
  • Ordering
  • Searching
• Assessment 2 - Practical computer based task
  • Lasting 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Externally set
  • Completed in the classroom