Coursey Overview
Information and communication technology (ICT) is more vital now than ever. We must ensure that young people have a knowledge and understanding of hardware and software, and also that they can harness the power of the Internet and the rapidly expanding world of digital communications. By giving them the skills and confidence to use ICT effectively, we are making it easier for them to find good jobs.
ICT is a large and growing department within the school, offering a variety of courses at Key Stage 3 & 4. These include the OCR Nationals, which are extremely popular with pupils and parents due to the success already achieved in previous years.
2008 - 99% pass rate
2009 - 96% pass rate
We have a dedicated ICT suite comprising of 6 large well-equipped rooms, as well as a bank of 30 laptops. There are several other banks of laptops and classrooms equipped with computers throughout the school. In the ICT suite there are interactive whiteboards and projectors in each room and students have use of numerous scanners, digital cameras and other equipment on offer.
Computer rooms are open on Thursday evenings after school for Year 10 and 11 until 4.30pm and the rooms are open every lunchtime to all year groups (except Friday) for coursework, research and homework.
FAQs (OCR)
Information and Communication Technology is offered in three formats:
A OCR National Award
A compulsory course taking 4 hours per fortnight
B OCR National Certificate
An optional qualification taking 9 hours per fortnight
C Diploma
An optional qualification taking 14 hours per fortnight
What are the aims of the courses?
- develop candidates’ skills, knowledge and understanding in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the Information and Communication Technology sector
- develop candidates’ ability to work autonomously and effectively in an Information and
- Communication Technology context
- encourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and
- understanding that candidates will need to access further or higher education programmes or occupational training on a full-time or part-time basis
What topics will I study?
Format A: Unit 1: ICT skills for Business (Compulsory) + 1 other unit
Format B: Unit 1: ICT skills for Business (Compulsory) + 4 other units
What skills will I develop?
You will develop a variety of ICT skills, which should help you to enhance your work in a variety of subject areas and will prepare you for work or further study.
What qualification will I take?
OCR National Certificate in ICT.
What is involved with the examination?
There are no formal examination papers for this qualification.
What coursework will I have to complete?
The qualification is totally coursework based.
What independent study will I have to undertake?
It will be hard work completing all the units in the allotted time. Some portfolio work will need to be completed out of lesson time, particularly the ‘Planning’ and ‘Evaluation’ aspects. There will also be ‘catch-up’ sessions after school which students will be expected to attend if they are falling behind.
What career opportunities could the course help to give me?
The ICT skills necessary for most jobs and everyday life will be covered during the compulsory ‘Award’ time. Please remember that everyone in your year group will be studying for the Award (equivalent to 1 GCSE). The optional Certificate course is intended mainly for students who wish to enter the IT industry or continue further study of IT at college..
What are the special features of the course?
If you choose the IT Option you will probably be taught by two different members of the ICT department (one during your 4 core lessons and a different teacher for your 5 option block lessons).
Functional skills: You will also learn Functional Skills in IT and will have the opportunity to be entered for an examination worth a half GCSE. This can be done at Level 1 (D-G grade) or Level 2 (A*-C)
Level 1- If you struggle with the Level 2 course you will be able to obtain a Level 1 OCR Nationals qualification by completing similar units.
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FAQs (Diploma)
What are the aims of the courses?
Diplomas are new qualifications introduced to recognise achievement at ages 14-19. They provide an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding in applied, sector-related learning contexts.
This course is intended for students who have a real interest in Business and the IT industry and students will need to be capable of working at least a C Grade at GCSE. They will also need to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in IT, Maths and English in order to gain the full Diploma qualification.
What topics will I study?
The Diploma will have three components:
- Principal learning - students develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes relevant to the IT business sector and are given opportunities to apply these to work roles or situations and within realistic contexts. There is a strong business emphasis to the course.
- Additional/specialist learning - students choose from a range of approved qualifications. This is most likely to be a GCSE subject in which a C Grade must be obtained.
- Generic learning - students develop and apply the skills and knowledge necessary for learning, employment and personal development. This includes ‘Functional Skills’ in Maths, English and ICT, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills such as team work, self-management and reflective learning, 10 days of Work Experience and an ‘Extended Project’.
What skills will I develop?
You will develop a variety of ICT skills, which should help you to enhance your work in a variety of subject areas. You will also gain an insight into how IT supports business, how various organisations use IT, and how IT can help to improve efficiency.
What examination will I take?
You will need to take a ‘Functional Skills’ examination in Maths, English and ICT.
Unit 1 of the ‘Principal Learning’ is also an externally set examination
What coursework will I have to complete?
Units 2 to 7 of the ‘Principal Learning’ all involve completing a piece of coursework.
You will also be required to complete a Project that should take approximately 60 hours.
What independent study will I have to undertake?
As with the OCR Nationals on the previous page, it will be hard work completing all the units in the allotted time. Some portfolio work will need to be completed out of lesson time, particularly the ‘Planning’ and ‘Evaluation’ aspects. There will also be ‘catch-up’ sessions after school which students will be expected to attend if they are falling behind.
What career opportunities could the course help to give me?
The ICT skills necessary for most jobs and everyday life will be covered during the compulsory ‘Award’ time. Please remember that everyone in your year group will be studying for the Award (equivalent to 1 GCSE). This optional Diploma course is intended mainly for students who wish to enter the IT industry.
What are the special features of the course?
You will probably be taught by two or three different members of the ICT department (one during your 4 core lessons and different teacher(s) for your 10 option block lessons). It may also involve studying at another institution; Light Hall is part of the Solihull Consortium so teaching is often delivered jointly with Lyndon School and the Grace Academy
Light Hall School 2010.
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