ICT - Shireland Collegiate Academy

The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden learners’ experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.

The IT/Computing/digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Around 1.46 million people work in digital companies and there are around 45,000 digital jobs advertised at any one time. Digital skills span all industries, and almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a good level of digital literacy. The UK has positioned itself to be the ‘Digital capital of Europe’ as it continues to invest billions every year in digital skills and commerce. The modern world expects digital skills to be as important as English and Maths. Having both technical skills and business understanding is the key to success.

Head of Department: Mr Reade

I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BA Honours Degree in Business Studies. After graduation I spent time working in a variety of industries and it was whilst coaching football in the USA that I discovered my enjoyment in working with children. I joined Shireland in September 2000 and have fulfilled in a wide range of roles during that time. Currently I manage the Business and ICT faculty and I am the Careers Leader in the Academy.

KS4 COURSE

ABOUT THE COURSE

In this qualification, you will develop important technical skills in data interpretation, data presentation and data protection.

You will learn about cybercrime, understanding the different types of threats and how to protect against them. This qualification will enable you to use project-planning tools, models and techniques within an IT, computing and digital context. Digital projects today often involve working with diverse teams across different locations.

You will develop an understanding of what a virtual work environment is and how cloud technologies allow remote teams to work together more effectively.

WHAT CAN ICT LEAD TO?

Who is it for?

Anyone who has an interest or a flair with IT and who wants to explore the employment opportunities using IT skills and knowledge.

This qualification can lead to more specialised study in IT-related area at Level 3, which can lead on to an apprenticeship, higher education and ultimately, a range of career possibilities relating to IT or other digital industries.

This is a nationally recognised vocational course that could lead to further education in Sixth Form in a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC Nationals in Information Technology, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the IT sector.

It can easily lead on to careers in: E-Commerce, Business Administration, Network Management, Finance, Software Engineering, Systems Analysis, Marketing, Web Development, Web Administration, Programming, Knowledge Management, Telecommunications

There are also a wide variety of apprenticeship opportunities available in the ICT industry that can be an excellent way to start a career working for well-established organisations such as IBM, Unilever and Siemens.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Digital Information Technology is a vocational subject area that is assessed with both internal and external assessment. The internal assessment will include assignments that are completed in the classroom and on trips. Typical tasks are; newspaper articles, displays, reports, role-plays and presentations. The majority of work is on the computer, this allows modifications and development of exploration work to be achieved before the assessed assignments are distributed. This means that students can often achieve grades above those expected as they have rehearsed work in preparation and have their own examples to refer to.

Components 1 and 2 are assessed through internal assessment. Internal assessment for these components has been designed to relate to achievement of application of the conceptual underpinning for the sector through realistic tasks and activities. This style of assessment promotes deep learning through ensuring the connection between knowledge and practice.

Component 3 provides the main synoptic assessment for the qualification. Component 3 builds directly on Components 1 and 2 and enables learning to be brought together and applied to realistic contexts. Component 3 requires learners to analyse and interpret information in relation to different scenarios and to draw on knowledge, understanding and skills such as the project planning process, interface design, collection and use of data when making recommendations on working practices related to design, project organisation, cybersecurity and legal and ethical issues.

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED?

The Digital Information Technology qualification will provide learners with a wide range of transferable skills useful for any future career. To be able to complete the course learners will need to be able to;

Be up to date with current news stories around the world.
To have a range of skills that cover; analytical problem solving, communication, organisation and time management, creativity and flexibility, information & IT literacy, interpersonal awareness, self-direction, working with others, business/commercial awareness and professionalism, confidence/assertiveness, drive and determination, as well as numeracy skills.
Be able to work in groups and with peers to complete practical activities both in and out of the classroom.