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.
For pupils in the top sets in Year 11, depending on ability we offer early entry. Pupils are then offered the opportunity to sit the Additional Maths (Level 2) certificate in Year 11 which helps them prepare for A/S Level Maths.
A-Level Mathematics
At A Level the department offers A/S Level (Year 12), A Level Maths (2 Year course) with a choice of Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Maths.
The department also offers the A/S Further A Level Maths and Double Maths (subject to staffing and pupil take up). If you're interested in this course then contact with the Head of Department is advised.
Information Communication Technology
A-Level ICT
A-Level ICT is a very successful subject and one in which pupils will develop skills in an array of software as well as knowledge regarding the use of ICT in the world and in working environments.
The course is structure as follows:-
Assessment Criteria
Module |
Level |
Title |
Weighting % |
Assessment |
|
1 |
AS |
A2 |
IT1 – Information Systems |
30 [60] |
Written Paper / Examination 2 ¼ hours |
2 |
IT2 – Presenting Information |
20 [40] |
Internally Assessed Task |
||
4 |
|
IT3 – Use and Impact of ICT |
30 [60] |
Written Paper / Examination |
|
5 |
IT4 – Relational Databases |
20 [40] |
Internally Assessed Project |
||
An ICT A-level can be utilised with a wide range of other A-levels and can fit into numerous fields.
The effective use of ICT is a feature of the vast majority of businesses and this course provides a suitable foundation for the study of ICT or a related area through a range of higher education courses, vocational courses (e.g. Information Technology, Information Systems, Business Computing) or direct entry into employment.
Most courses at university will use some sort ICT skill and there are a wide variety courses that ICT can be part of.
ICT fits in with lots of subjects from Business to Languages, from dedicated ICT to ICT with Criminology.
In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for candidates who do not progress to further study in the subject.
Pupils DO NOT have to have taken GCSE ICT to take A-Level ICT.
A-Level Computing
A-Level Computing differs from A-Level ICT considerably. Pupils are able to take both subjects as they do complement each other but with Computing pupils will learn to logically program using Visual Basic and create their own applications. E.g. creating your own trivia game, programming a set of traffic lights.
Assessment Criteria
Module |
Level |
Title |
Weighting % |
Assessment |
|
1 |
AS |
A2 |
CG1 – Theory Paper |
32.5 [65] |
Written Paper / Examination 3 hours |
2 |
CG2 – Extended Task |
17.5 [35] |
Internally Assessed Task |
||
4 |
|
CG3 – Theory Paper 2 |
32.5 [65] |
Written Paper / Examination |
|
5 |
CG4 – Extended Project |
17.5 [35] |
Internally Assessed Project |
||
The theory you will cover will include topics such as Hardware and communication, programming, the internet and its workings and the consequences of the use of computers in society. The theory will lend itself to Physics, Maths and Electronics but pupils from a wide range of subjects including Drama, Art, DT have been successful.
What could you do with a qualification in Computing?
Computing opens the door to many avenues. Some are obvious, such as programming, systems analyst, building and networking computers together, and writing software. Other areas include developing computer programmes, designing robots, developing multi-media packages, designing systems e.g. computer controlled greenhouses, satellites, web-site designers.
Pupils DO NOT have to have taken GCSE ICT to take A-Level Computing.
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.
Pupils can take the option in column 1 or 2. If they take it in column 1 it is woth 2 GCSE's, in column 2 it's worth 4 GCSE's.
They can choose from the following options:-
- Using ICT
- Multimedia
- Graphics
- ICT in Business
- Gaming