GCSE ICT
GCSE ICT explores how technology works and the effects it has – not just on our daily lives but in everything from commerce and communication, to politics and the music industry. GCSE ICT will qualify you to operate confidently in today’s digital world. It doesn’t teach you how to build a computer, but it does show you how to use ICT effectively and safely. GCSE ICT is a useful, real-world qualification, whether you see your future including university, training or going out to work.
Course Content
You will complete Unit 1 - Living in a Digital World. This unit prepares you for the theory-based exam. There will be 1 lesson each week geared towards Unit 1. In this unit, you will explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. You will learn about current and emerging digital technologies and the issues raised by their use in a range of contexts (learning, leisure, shopping, money management, health and wellbeing). You will also develop awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.
You will also complete Unit 2 - Using Digital Tools. This is a practical unit and there will be two lessons per fortnight geared towards Unit 2. Students will broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. They work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. Students learn to reflect critically on their own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice. They put into practice what they learn about digital technology in Unit 1 to produce their own ICT solutions.
Course Assessment
The assessment for ICT is split into two units.
Unit 1: Written Exam Paper = 40% of the total grade
Unit 2: Controlled Assessment = 60% of the total grade
The written paper involves sitting one paper for 1 ½ hours. The paper is single tier and will consist of a variety of questions including multiple choice, short answer, open response and extended writing.
The controlled assessment involves completing a task within controlled classroom conditions. The task is split into three main activities:
Activity 1 which includes the use of a database to extract and present information. Activity 2 which requires you to develop and use a spreadsheet model. Activity 3 includes a more complex product which integrates work done in earlier activities with further research.
Thinking about taking ICT GCSE? Click the link below to open up a document containing a video to help you decide whether choosing ICT GCSE is the right choice for you (note, you may need to download Adobe Reader to view the document) .
Click here to open the document
For further information please see Miss Shuff.