KS4 Cambridge National in Information Technologies

WHO’S WHO?

Progress Leader: Mr R Birchall

Teaching Staff: Ms J Charlton

COURSE INFORMATION

Cambridge National in Information Technologies follows the processes practiced and discovered in the KS3 Computing curriculum. Students utilise the knowledge and skills they have already acquired and further develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in the subject content within the context of IT in relation to managing a project and all the complexities that entails.

Cambridge National in Information Technologies consists of two units of study with a written exam and controlled assessment which aim to develop the study skills essential to the subject whilst fully meeting the four assessment objectives.

This qualification will teach the learner 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; this is

known as data management.

COURSE CONTENT

Students 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. 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.

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.

Within the context of IT, students must demonstrate the ability to use photographic techniques and processes, appropriate to students’ personal intentions including the use of figurative and non-figurative forms, image manipulation, close up, and imaginative interpretation.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Unit R012: 50% written exam – The focus of the exam is based on four Learning Outcomes that centre on the acquisition of knowledge. The exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes long and is marked out of 80.

Unit R013: 50% externally set assignment that students have 20 hours to complete in controlled assessment conditions in lessons. Students will be given a scenario brief and will then have to apply the Project Life Cycle model in order to design, create and evaluate a computer product that utilises Spreadsheets, Databases or a combination of both. This task needs to be completed independently and guidance cannot be provided by the teacher. This work is marked out of 80.

YEAR 10

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS / LEARNING
Autumn	Project Life Cycle Project Risk Management Project Phase Management	Project Life Cycle, Project Considerations, PLC Interaction, Analyse a Project and Initiate a Project. Prevention Methods, Implications of Legislation and Mitigating Risks. Project Planning Tools, Planning Documentation , Testing and Phase Review.
Spring	Project Data Management Project Documentation	Data and Information, MS Access Tools & Techniques and MS Excel Tools & Techniques. Audience and Purpose, Communication Methods and Presentation Methods using MS PowerPoint Tools and Techniques.
Summer	Project Documentation Project Evaluation	Presentation Methods using MS Word Tools and Techniques. Carrying Out a Final Review.

YEAR 11

TERM	UNIT OF STUDY	KEY SKILLS / LEARNING
Autumn	R013: Practice Practical Scenario R012: Exam Revision Techniques	Students have a full practice scenario that focuses on the NEA task that will be completed in Spring Term and contribute 50% of final grade. A focus on exam technique including how to approach questions, command words and developing a model answer.
Spring	R013: Controlled Assessment Task	Students will complete their 20-hour controlled assessment task in lessons. Recaps will be inter-leaved to ensure students are aware of previous content that needs to be included within their report.
Summer	Personalised Exam Preparation	Individual questions will be personalised for students to target their own areas of development using the OCR Exam Builder tool. Mark schemes will be examined to ensure students are fully aware of what is required to achieve the highest mark bands within questions.

A LEVEL/BTEC REQUIREMENTS:

Students are usually required to have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths at GCSE to enter the following BTEC qualification.

BTEC Courses include: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S LEARNING

Ask them what they think about Computing related items? Why was the device/app created? What purpose does it serve? What new technology is being talked about?

Encourage them to follow official profiles of famous people related to Computing on social media (Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerburg).

WHERE TO GO:

Visit Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes or Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.

WHAT TO WATCH:

Computing documentaries – The Social Dilemma, The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms, The Code, We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists

Films/TV Series about technological breakthroughs

Wall-E, Wreck It Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Tron, Tron Legacy, Iron Man, The Martian, The Matrix, The Social Network, iRobot, Minority Report, Ex Machina.

WHAT TO READ:

Biographies about Alan Turing, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Ava Lovelace, Charles Babbage, Mark Zuckerberg

Any books that explore the way that Computers have impacted on society.

ONLINE:

BBC Bitesize – Course content that relates to a selection of topics covered in the course (https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zdjphbk)

GCSEPod – students have an account linked that can be accessed using their School login details

YouTube - playlists of relevant topics will be shared with students (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL04uZ7242_M6-bJHYBn2UO5tGq-0LFcIv)

FUTURE CAREERS:

Systems architects are hired by all types of companies, since any company that relies on its own computer network needs someone to ensure infrastructure is properly designed. Companies also need systems architects on staff to make ongoing improvements and troubleshoot problems.

Cyber security careers are complex and many roles like:

Security specialist - An entry-level role with huge potential.

Security administrator -Keep security systems running smoothly every day.

Cryptographer -Write the code that hackers can’t crack.

Security architect -Outsmart online criminals by designing tough-to-crack security.

Forensic expert -Protect the cyber world and assist law enforcement.

Penetration tester -Hack and protect computer systems for good reasons.