IT
Why study Digital Information Technology?
Data Manipulation and Project Management are vital skills for success in employment and higher education and are among the key transferable skills required by employers. Digital Information Technologies develops pupils understanding of skills through the development of creative products to solve real world data problems. Studying IT will prepare pupils for a career in a data driven future. Learners will understand and develop tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions; knowledge and use of hardware and software applications; Data Manipulation tools and techniques; and project life cycles – phases, interaction, inputs and outputs; and risks, legal moral, ethical and security issues.
How will I study Digital Information Technology?
Pupils will learn the principles of information and computation; how digital systems work and how to create programs and systems of their own using high-level programming languages. As a result, our pupils will become responsible, competent, confident, and creative users of information and communication technology, with the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand human and machine intelligence. They will learn how to apply the academic principles they learn in the classroom to real-world systems in an exciting and engaging way.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
Pupils in KS3 will explore computer systems and digital devices, including both physical and digital components. They will master problem solving through using computational thinking and create algorithms to solve problems. The curriculum introduces students to text-based programming with Python. The lessons form a journey that starts with simple programs involving input and output, and gradually moves on through arithmetic operations, selection, iteration, and string manipulation. Pupils develop essential knowledge on binary representations and how computers translate human interaction. Pupils are introduced to binary digits and how they can be used to represent text and numbers.
Pupils go on to develop their understanding of information and digital literacy skills. Pupils will develop software formatting skills and master spreadsheet skills including the use of formulas and functions. Pupils also look at social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals and how to prevent these threats. This is followed by pupils exploring the technologies that make up the internet and the World Wide Web.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
The BTEC in Digital Information Technologies develops pupils’ understanding of IT skills through the development of creative products to solve real world data problems. Taking this qualification will prepare pupils for a career in a data driven future. Learners will understand and develop tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions; knowledge and use of hardware and software applications; Data Manipulation tools and techniques; and project life cycles – phases, interaction, inputs and outputs; and risks, legal moral, ethical and security issues.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
BTEC Digital Information Technology Edexcel
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 1 – Exploring user interface | Design principles and project planning techniques using web authoring, app development or database software. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 2 – Collecting, presenting, and interpreting data | Raw data is provided, learn how data becomes information and how data is collected using primary/secondary sources. Data is prepared and presented using spreadsheet or database software, show how the data then can be presented using pivot charts and formatting techniques. |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Component 3 – Effective Digital Working Practices | Exam unit which is 1 hour and 30 mins. This external component builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired and developed across the qualification. It requires learners to select and integrate knowledge and understanding synoptically from all components. |
Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art IT facilities. Pupils are able to take part in representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge, such as the CyberFirst Girls’ Competition. Clubs include a Coding club.
Careers
IT skills and knowledge are useful in whichever direction you choose to embark upon.
Possible career choices are: Network Manager, Web Development, Software Engineering and Architect, Data Analyst, Data Science, Cyber Security, Project management, accountancy and Teaching.