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IT Technologies and GCSE Computing
Course Overview
The collection and communication of data and storing of data/information happens all around us. Technology underpins how it’s collected and communicated nearly all of the time. It can be seen in all walks of life, from a wearable fitness tracker recording how many steps you have taken, your mobile phone provider recording your usage to create your bill or an online retailer being able to target you with specific promotions based on your purchase history. Knowing how and why data is gathered and being able to turn raw data into something meaningful is essential as the learner moves through education and into employment. To be able to do these pupils will need to have the confidence to use a range of information technology that is currently available, as well as being adaptable and resilient enough to deal with the rapid advances.
What will pupils learn?
- Data Management - What different technologies could be used, why they should use them and how to make best use of them, to gather, store, manipulate and present data.
- Digital Solutions - They will learn about tools and techniques for use in different digital hardware and software technologies, and how these can be integrated to create digital solutions to manage and communicate data and information.
- Legislation - They will also be taught what data and information are and the legal, ethical and moral considerations when using technology to gather, store and present data and information, and how to mitigate the risks of cyber-attacks. Through this qualification they will be able to select and use the most appropriate technology safely and effectively, to complete a data management task, such as a cable TV provider monitoring customers’ viewing to make recommendations for additional packages in the customer’s subscription.
- Project Management - They will also learn to follow a project life cycle of initiation, planning, execution and evaluation to complete a data management task and use their skills, knowledge and understanding of technology to complete each of the phases of the project life cycle.
Skills required/Pupil expectations
Sound reading skills. Ability to work independently, use initiative and creative skills. A confident user of ICT.
Assessment
| Examination board: | OCR |
|---|---|
| Examinations: |
Unit R012: Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solutions 80 Marks Exam duration 1 hour 45 Minutes |
| Non-Exam Assessment (NEA) |
Unit R013: Developing technological solutions 80 marks Duration 20 hours |
| Both units are equally weighted. | |
Suitable careers
The skills, knowledge and understanding they will develop through this qualification are very relevant to both work and further study. They will support them in a range of subject areas such as A Levels in Business or Geography, or Cambridge Technicals in IT.
They can also support their progression into employment through Apprenticeships in areas such as Digital Marketer or Business Administrator.
Administrators, Computer Games Developer, Computer Service and Repair Technician, Data Entry Clerk, IT Project Manager, IT Support Technician, IT Trainer, Network Manager, Network Engineer, Web Content Manager, Web Designer, Web Developer and Web Editors
Further study opportunities
Apprenticeship Framework (Level 2 & 3), Level 3 Cambridge Technicals.
Any course that requires pupils to have ICT skills i.e. Graphics Design, Multimedia, computer programming, technical ICT support etc.
