Mathematics & ICT Faculty
Mathematics
Mathematics is a core subject and is regarded, alongside English, as one of the key subjects in which to gain a qualification in order to enhance career prospects.
At the end of Year 9 all pupils sit an internal exam which tests them on the last three years work. This is levelled to the National Curriculum and externally moderated. At the start of Year 10 pupils will be placed into a set, which in general, will determine the tier at which they are entered for GCSE in Year 11.
It is the aim of the department to get pupils to reach the highest standard they can possibly achieve and ensure that they are well prepared for both internal and external examinations. The mathematical skills and knowledge taught should also enable pupils to transfer them to other subjects in the school e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography and also to everyday situations.
GCSE Information Communication Technology
Syllabus
The main aims of the syllabus are for pupils to:
- Apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT to a range of situations
- Discuss and review the impact of ICT applications in the wider world
- Analyse, design, implement, test, evaluate and document information & communication systems for use by others & develop understanding of the wider applications & effects of ICT
Assessment
Pupils have:
- a terminal exam worth 40%
- a board set assignment worth 30% (completed in Year 10)
- a project worth 30% (completed in Year 11)
Both the project and assignment involve extensive use of Word Processing, Desk Top Publishing, Database and Spreadsheets as well as lengthy written reports. Pupils will be expected to organize & present ideas, information & arguments clearly & logically.
Diploma in Digital Applications
Do you use mobile phones and send texts? Browse websites, download music files and send e-mails? Do you take digital photos, listen to CDs, play computer games and may even keep an electronic diary? All this is done in a digital environment, if you fancy using these skills to develop solutions to problems like the one below then find out more about our course.
This is a new course, (Edexcel), where you can gain the equivalent of 2 GCSES with the possibility of getting the equivalent of 4! There is No Written Exam, everything you do in lessons goes towards your final qualification and you will be constantly using the computers.
Example Problem
What do teenagers do after school? Where do they go? What else could be provided? Make Space is a national campaign aimed at 11 to 16 year olds. A Make Space Club provides activities and space to ‘chill out’.
In this project you will produce some materials for the launch of the new Make Space Club.
You’ll learn how to use a variety of software and will learn about:
- scanners;
- databases;
- internet and intranet;
- e-mail;
- presentations;
- spreadsheets; and
- word processing
as well as managing the whole process effectively using an ePortfolio.
Careers
Skills in digital applications provide a wide range of career options, as well as a route into further and higher education.
Such as
- Web designer /Web developer
- Information architect /Graphic artist /Art worker/Art director/Animator
- Business development manager/Product manager/Brand manager
You will choose an activity for the club and promote it in your materials e.g., presentation of available activities, a website, leaflets etc. The materials you produce will be used to promote the activities of the Club.