Key Stage 3 ICT

Year 7

Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in a variety of IT topics and software packages. During year 7 the pupils will cover the following areas:

• An introduction to the school network and Google Workspace
• Working safely online
• Spreadsheet modelling
• Inputs, outputs and binary
• Introduction to coding using Scratch and BBC Microbits
• A research project into "The Journey of the Mobile Phone". The project will cover a range of ethical issues associated with the production and use of modern digital devices.

Year 8

Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in some of the latest online software tools to manage some practical digital tasks centred around the re-launch of an old abandoned theme park. Areas and topics covered include:

• Designing and creating a website using Google Sites
• Designing and creating an animation
• Exploring Social Media and its benefits and drawbacks for both the individual and for businesses
• Video editing
• Game development

Key Stage 4 Mathematics

At Key Stage 4, pupils follow a course leading to the award of two GCSE qualification; one for GCSE Mathematics and one for GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy. Both qualifications will
build on and progress from the levels of mathematics expected at the end of KS3. Whilst the GCSE in Mathematics – Numeracy will assess the mathematics that learners will need in their everyday lives, in the world of work, and in other general curriculum areas, GCSE
Mathematics will extend to aspects of mathematics needed for progression to scientific,
technical or further mathematical study.

In years 10 and 11 we are lucky to be able to have linear setting, resulting in all pupils within each year being taught mathematics at the same time. This allows us to create classes with pupils of similar ability levels to allow for precise teaching. The GCSE specification in Mathematics is designed to enable learners to:

• develop knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical methods, techniques and concepts required for progression into mathematics or mathematically-related disciplines or employment routes;
• make connections between different areas of mathematics;
• select and apply mathematical methods in both mathematical and real-world contexts;
• reason mathematically, construct arguments and simple proofs, and make logical
• deductions and inferences;
• develop and refine strategies for solving a range of mathematical and real-world problems;
• communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms;
• interpret mathematical results and draw and justify conclusions that are relevant to the context;
• communicate mathematical information in a variety of forms.

All pupils entered for these GCSEs are required to sit two written papers for each
qualification; Unit 1 non calculator and Unit 2 calculator allowed. These papers will usually
be taken in the summer of Year 11.

There are three tiers of entry for GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Mathematics-Numeracy:

• Higher tier (grades A* - C);
• Intermediate tier (grades B – E);
• Foundation tier (grades D – G).

Pupils entered for each qualification must sit both units at either foundation, intermediate of higher tier in the same examination series. In addition, within the faculty we offer the following qualifications to selected pupils:

• Entry Level Certificate in Mathematics-Numeracy;
• Level 2 Certificate in Additional Mathematics;
• Level 2 Certificate in Financial Capability and Careers Development.

Key Stage 4 ICT

If pupils take ICT as an option in Key Stage 4 they follow the new WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in ICT. This is equivalent to one GCSE and allows pupils to follow a more practical IT course where they can showcase their skills within a range of tasks and topics using a variety of software packages as well as sitting one final exam at the end of the course.

Unit 1 (40%) allows learners to explore the wide range of:

• uses of hardware, application and specialist software in society
• investigate how information technology is used in a range of contexts, including business and organisations, education and home use of information technology

Unit 2 (60%) introduces learners to a broad working knowledge of:

• databases
• spreadsheets
• automated documents
• images

The course enables learners to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems in practical real world settings.

Key Stage 4 Business

If pupils take ICT as an option in Key Stage 4 they follow the new WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Retail Business. The course introduces learners to one of the most important employment sectors in the UK, exploring various aspects of retail business and investigating a range of retailers, from large chains and department stores to independent and online retailers. This award is equivalent to one GCSE.

Unit 1: The Business of Retail
You will:

• Be introduced to the business of retail and will explore the dynamic and competitive nature of the retail industry.
• Gain knowledge and understanding of different types of retail business and retail activity, as well as the impact of external factors on the industry e.g. growth in sustainability.

Unit 2: Customer Service for Retail Business
You will:

• Develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles of customer service for retail business
• Have the opportunity to investigate the customer service experience across a retail organisation selected by you.

Unit 3: Merchandising and Marketing of Retail Products
You will:

• Be introduced to the importance of visual merchandising and marketing retail products, and how retail businesses use visual merchandising and marketing to achieve their aims.
• Apply your knowledge and understanding to design visual merchandising installations and promotional materials. All three units will consider retailing in physical stores and online retailing.

Key Stage 5 Mathematics

Students who choose to study mathematics in the 6 th form will be working towards achieving an A-Level qualification, with an AS Level being awarded for successful completion of the first year of the course. This specification is divided into a total of four units, two AS units and two A2 units with all units being compulsory. Students will study modules covering both pure and applied mathematics with the latter including mechanics and statistics. The course encourages students to develop confidence in, and a positive attitude towards, mathematics and to recognise its importance in their own lives and to society.

Further Mathematics
Students who choose to study further mathematics in the 6 th form must do so alongside
mathematics. For this, they will be working towards achieving an A-Level qualification, with an AS Level being awarded for successful completion of the first year of the course. This specification is divided into a total of five units. The three AS units, which are compulsory, cover pure mathematics, mechanics and statistics. At A2, the pure mathematics unit is compulsory, however they can choose between mechanics and statistics for their fifth unit.

Key Stage 5 ICT

Students who opt to take an IT course in the 6th Form will follow the OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT. This is a fully practical course equivalent to one A' Level and allows students to develop and demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of IT packages and concepts. This course has proven to be an excellent stepping stone onto higher education courses in a wide variety of IT and computing based courses as well as other courses in the business and media fields.

Key Stage 5 Business

Students who opt to take Business in the 6th Form will follow the WJEC AS/A Level Business course. By studying this course, you will be introduced to the dynamic business environment and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating business opportunities and sustaining business growth. You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential skills required for higher education and employment.

Unit 1 and unit 2 make up the AS qualification, unit 3 and unit 4 make up the A2 units. Each unit will be assessed through a written examination.