Due to the withdrawal of several CCEA qualifications, KS4 and KS5 students at St. Patrick's Academy will follow a wide range of ICT/Digital Technology qualifications during 2017-2018. Year 12 students will complete the GCSE in ICT (either the Short or Full course) and Year 14 students will complete the Applied GCE in ICT. Year 11 students will begin either the OCR Level 1/2 Cambridge National in ICT or the new CCEA Level 2 GCSE in Digital Technology. Year 13 students will begin the OCR Level 3 Cambridge National Introductory Diploma in IT (2012 Series).
Information on each qualification is available below. Further information can be found on the relevant examination board website.
Information on each qualification is available below. Further information can be found on the relevant examination board website.
GCSE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY (Route A: Multimedia) - replaces CCEA GCSE in ICT
Examination Board: CCEA, (Draft)
Level: 2
Route A: Multimedia
Level: 2
Route A: Multimedia
Content |
Description |
Assessment |
Weightings |
Compulsory Core |
Unit 1: Digital Technology Digital Data, Software, Database Applications, Spreadsheet Applications, Computer hardware, Network Technologies, Cyberspace, network security and data transfer, Cloud technology, Ethical, legal and environmental impact of digital technology on wider society, Digital Applications |
External written examination - 1 hour Availability: Summer 2018 |
30% |
Multimedia units: |
Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts: Designing solutions, Digital develop considerations, Multimedia applications, Multimedia authoring, Database development, Significance of testing and developing of appropriate test plans, Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice: Designing solutions using appropriate tools, Building a solution, Testing a solution, Evaluating a solution. |
External written examination - 1 hour 30 mins Availability: Summer 2019 Controlled assessment Availability: Summer 2019 |
40% 30% |
Students must take at least 40 per cent of the assessment (based on unit weightings) at the end of the course as terminal assessment.
Unit 1: Digital Technology: In this unit, students explore a range of digital technologies available for data storage, manipulation, presentation and transfer.
Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts: Students gain an understanding of the concepts in the development of digital systems.
Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice: In this unit, students design, develop and test digital multimedia systems.
Students will complete Unit 1 in Year 11 and units 2 and 3 in year 12.
Grades available: A*, A, B, C*, C, D, E, F, G, U
Unit 1: Digital Technology: In this unit, students explore a range of digital technologies available for data storage, manipulation, presentation and transfer.
Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts: Students gain an understanding of the concepts in the development of digital systems.
Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice: In this unit, students design, develop and test digital multimedia systems.
Students will complete Unit 1 in Year 11 and units 2 and 3 in year 12.
Grades available: A*, A, B, C*, C, D, E, F, G, U
CAMBRIDGE NATIONAL IN ICT - LEVEL 1/2
Examination Board: OCR
Students will complete units R002 and R004 in Year 11 and units R001 and R003 in Year 12
Unit R001: Understanding computer systems. This mandatory unit will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and understanding required to use computer systems effectively. Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of the systems they use both at home and at school and will explore how these same technologies are used by business organisations.
Assessment: Written paper, OCR set and marked , 1 hour – 60 marks (60 UMS), Learners answer all questions
Unit R002: Using ICT to create business solutions. This mandatory unit will enable learners to develop ICT skills that will equip them to operate effectively in a business environment. This unit complements unit R001. In unit R001 learners will study the computer system on which applications software sits and consider the implications of working with data to create content, while in this unit they will work with ‘office’ applications software to edit and format/create content to meet specified business purposes.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Unit R003: Handling data using spreadsheets. This optional unit builds on Units R001 and R002 and learners will be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in those units and vice versa. This unit will help the learner to process and present data into meaningful information that can be used to support the decision-making process in real life scenarios.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Unit R004: Handling Data using databases. This optional unit builds on Units R001 and R002 and learners will be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in those units and vice versa. This unit will enable learners to gain the necessary additional skills and knowledge to be able to modify an existing database by adding fields and then to further enhance a database by creating new table structures to produce a relational database structure. They will also learn how to test and interrogate a database. They will understand that a database has to be developed to meet the needs of an individual user or organisation.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Grades available:
Students will complete units R002 and R004 in Year 11 and units R001 and R003 in Year 12
Unit R001: Understanding computer systems. This mandatory unit will provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and understanding required to use computer systems effectively. Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of the systems they use both at home and at school and will explore how these same technologies are used by business organisations.
Assessment: Written paper, OCR set and marked , 1 hour – 60 marks (60 UMS), Learners answer all questions
Unit R002: Using ICT to create business solutions. This mandatory unit will enable learners to develop ICT skills that will equip them to operate effectively in a business environment. This unit complements unit R001. In unit R001 learners will study the computer system on which applications software sits and consider the implications of working with data to create content, while in this unit they will work with ‘office’ applications software to edit and format/create content to meet specified business purposes.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Unit R003: Handling data using spreadsheets. This optional unit builds on Units R001 and R002 and learners will be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in those units and vice versa. This unit will help the learner to process and present data into meaningful information that can be used to support the decision-making process in real life scenarios.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Unit R004: Handling Data using databases. This optional unit builds on Units R001 and R002 and learners will be able to apply the skills, knowledge and understanding developed in those units and vice versa. This unit will enable learners to gain the necessary additional skills and knowledge to be able to modify an existing database by adding fields and then to further enhance a database by creating new table structures to produce a relational database structure. They will also learn how to test and interrogate a database. They will understand that a database has to be developed to meet the needs of an individual user or organisation.
Assessment: Centre assessed tasks, OCR moderated, Approx 10 hours – 60 marks (60 UMS)
Grades available:
- Distinction* at Level 2 (*2)
- Distinction at Level 2 (D2)
- Merit at Level 2 (M2)
- Pass at Level 2 (P2)
- Distinction at Level 1 (D1)
- Merit at Level 1 (M1)
- Pass at Level 1 (P1).
Key Stage 5
YEAR 13 OCR LEVEL 3 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL INTRODUCTORY DIPLOMA IN IT (2012 suite)
This qualification provides opportunities to develop many of the skills demanded by employers. It offers learners the opportunity for a programme of study to:
Assessment: The units in this qualification are all internally assessed by centre assessors and quality assurance personnel and externally moderated by OCR Visiting Moderators. There are no external examinations.
Students will complete units 1, 2 and 17 in Year 13 and units 12, 19 and 23 in Year 14.
Unit 1: Communication and employability skills for IT
This unit allows students to understand what an employer expects of an individual and how to communicate effectively while developing their own personal development needs.
Unit 2: Information systems
This unit will ensure that students have a greater understanding of how organisations use information internally and externally. The skills gained by completing this unit will give students knowledge of the functionality of information and the ability to produce management systems.
Unit 12: Website production
This unit will prepare students to design, create and test a fully functioning website, while also providing essential grounding knowledge on the architecture and security issues that need to be considered. Websites need to be well designed to keep visitors returning and avoid excluding user groups by being inaccessible. Companies need to analyse the technical considerations to ensure that they do not hinder the user experience.
Unit 17: Interactive Media Authoring
This unit focuses primarily on the creation of interactive media products for a range of platforms, such as apps for mobiles or CD/ DVD-ROM. There is a range of authoring tools available to use in their production and the creation of their assets. Interactivity can be included in the form of quizzes and games, using scripting languages such as Lingo or Action Script.
Unit 19: Spreadsheet modelling
The aim of this unit is to help students understand how spreadsheets can be used to solve complex problems. They will also learn how to automate and customise their spreadsheet models. Finally, they will learn how to test and create user and technical documentation. The unit will provide students with the skills to enable them to create and use a complex spreadsheet model.
Unit 23: Database design
Once they have gained the skills they need, students will design and create a relational database to meet a specified user’s needs. They will also create and use a range of features within their database, such as queries, forms, reports and a user interface/ navigation menu. They will look at how to test their relational database, carry out improvements based on feedback and, finally, evaluate the design.
Note: All units carry equal weighting.
Grades available: Each unit has specified assessment criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction. The overall qualification is also graded. Qualifications awarded above a Pass grade are graded Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.
- prepare for further learning or training
- develop essential knowledge, transferable skills and personal skills in a subject area that interests them with the aim of enhancing their employability
- move into different areas of employment
- achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification
Assessment: The units in this qualification are all internally assessed by centre assessors and quality assurance personnel and externally moderated by OCR Visiting Moderators. There are no external examinations.
Students will complete units 1, 2 and 17 in Year 13 and units 12, 19 and 23 in Year 14.
Unit 1: Communication and employability skills for IT
This unit allows students to understand what an employer expects of an individual and how to communicate effectively while developing their own personal development needs.
Unit 2: Information systems
This unit will ensure that students have a greater understanding of how organisations use information internally and externally. The skills gained by completing this unit will give students knowledge of the functionality of information and the ability to produce management systems.
Unit 12: Website production
This unit will prepare students to design, create and test a fully functioning website, while also providing essential grounding knowledge on the architecture and security issues that need to be considered. Websites need to be well designed to keep visitors returning and avoid excluding user groups by being inaccessible. Companies need to analyse the technical considerations to ensure that they do not hinder the user experience.
Unit 17: Interactive Media Authoring
This unit focuses primarily on the creation of interactive media products for a range of platforms, such as apps for mobiles or CD/ DVD-ROM. There is a range of authoring tools available to use in their production and the creation of their assets. Interactivity can be included in the form of quizzes and games, using scripting languages such as Lingo or Action Script.
Unit 19: Spreadsheet modelling
The aim of this unit is to help students understand how spreadsheets can be used to solve complex problems. They will also learn how to automate and customise their spreadsheet models. Finally, they will learn how to test and create user and technical documentation. The unit will provide students with the skills to enable them to create and use a complex spreadsheet model.
Unit 23: Database design
Once they have gained the skills they need, students will design and create a relational database to meet a specified user’s needs. They will also create and use a range of features within their database, such as queries, forms, reports and a user interface/ navigation menu. They will look at how to test their relational database, carry out improvements based on feedback and, finally, evaluate the design.
Note: All units carry equal weighting.
Grades available: Each unit has specified assessment criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction. The overall qualification is also graded. Qualifications awarded above a Pass grade are graded Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.
YEAR 14 APPLIED GCE IN ICT
GCE Applied GCE in ICT meets the needs of candidates wishing to progress towards higher education in an ICT discipline, to further training, or to employment. Having a vocational emphasis, the specifications is based on the belief that real understanding of ICT is achieved through a practical skills based approach with direct relevance to the needs of employers.
This award addresses current curricular change as well as identified skill areas in the sector. The practical approach encouraged throughout all units will enable candidates to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of practices and techniques required in the workplace.
Students have already completed units 1, 2 and 3 (in Year 13).
Unit 7: Investigating Systems
In this unit candidates will learn why it is important to fully understand the systems development process, the role of Systems Analysis and Design and the importance of the User, in the creation of the best working solutions to business problems. Candidates will examine the stages involved in the systems development process and consider the associated documentation including, project plans, feasibility reports, systems specifications and test plans. Candidates will examine and evaluate a range of methods and tools used in the systems investigation process. They will consider alternative solutions and recommendations and appreciate the risks and costs involved. Candidates will be required to work with others to examine issues and to enhance their understanding of possible systems solutions.
They will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work.
Assessment: External, 2 hour paper, 20%
Unit 8: Database Development
This unit will examine database technology and develop database skills. It will introduce database and modelling concepts. Candidates will be required to understand normalisation to third level, relational database structures, queries and the development of a relational database to implement a model. Candidates will be required to design, implement, test and document solutions to given problems. Candidates will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work. Candidates will be required to examine and apply standard ways of working in this context.
Assessment: Internal, 20%
Unit 9: Website Design and Management
In this unit candidates will learn how to develop and design websites using appropriate tools. They will have the opportunity to work with others to examine issues, to determine requirements and to examine possible solutions. In this unit candidates must understand performance considerations, how to use a range of media and how to develop interactive features. They will experience the use of advanced and/or dynamic content on both website presentation and management. Candidates will study a number of different site models and evaluate site structure, ease of navigation and dynamic content where applicable. They will learn how to determine user requirements, to develop, test, document, maintain and evaluate websites. Candidates will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work. Candidates will be required to examine and apply standard ways of working in this context.
Assessment: Internal, 20%
Grades available: A*, A, B, C, D, E, U
This award addresses current curricular change as well as identified skill areas in the sector. The practical approach encouraged throughout all units will enable candidates to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of practices and techniques required in the workplace.
Students have already completed units 1, 2 and 3 (in Year 13).
Unit 7: Investigating Systems
In this unit candidates will learn why it is important to fully understand the systems development process, the role of Systems Analysis and Design and the importance of the User, in the creation of the best working solutions to business problems. Candidates will examine the stages involved in the systems development process and consider the associated documentation including, project plans, feasibility reports, systems specifications and test plans. Candidates will examine and evaluate a range of methods and tools used in the systems investigation process. They will consider alternative solutions and recommendations and appreciate the risks and costs involved. Candidates will be required to work with others to examine issues and to enhance their understanding of possible systems solutions.
They will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work.
Assessment: External, 2 hour paper, 20%
Unit 8: Database Development
This unit will examine database technology and develop database skills. It will introduce database and modelling concepts. Candidates will be required to understand normalisation to third level, relational database structures, queries and the development of a relational database to implement a model. Candidates will be required to design, implement, test and document solutions to given problems. Candidates will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work. Candidates will be required to examine and apply standard ways of working in this context.
Assessment: Internal, 20%
Unit 9: Website Design and Management
In this unit candidates will learn how to develop and design websites using appropriate tools. They will have the opportunity to work with others to examine issues, to determine requirements and to examine possible solutions. In this unit candidates must understand performance considerations, how to use a range of media and how to develop interactive features. They will experience the use of advanced and/or dynamic content on both website presentation and management. Candidates will study a number of different site models and evaluate site structure, ease of navigation and dynamic content where applicable. They will learn how to determine user requirements, to develop, test, document, maintain and evaluate websites. Candidates will be required to develop and apply project management skills to their work. Candidates will be required to examine and apply standard ways of working in this context.
Assessment: Internal, 20%
Grades available: A*, A, B, C, D, E, U
