Welcome to the ICT and Business Faculty

OUR FACILITIES
The ICT department comprises four specialist suites each equipped with interactive whiteboard, sound and projector systems and approximately 30 networked workstations.  Each offers filtered, high speed internet access and runs the latest Windows XP operating system, the latest Microsoft Office and Macromedia software plus a wide range of other applications. Laser and colour inkjet printers, digital cameras and video recorders, scanners and sound recording are available in all rooms to provide the necessary equipment for the 21st century.

The ratio of computers to pupils is excellent, with approximately 350 networked workstations across school and interactive whiteboards in almost every teaching room. 

All pupils are issued with their own unique log-in account and password to access the school network and their own secure storage area for school work.  We will also offer a secure school email account to enable those with out-of-school computer/internet access to transfer work safely between home and school.  It is expected that all pupils will comply with the use of school ICT facilities in accordance with our 'Acceptable User' policy.  A copy of the pupil and parent's agreements can be found in the pupil planner. 


ICT PROVISION
Pupils in Years 7 - 9 are taught in mixed ability groups, and receive one lesson per week (1 hour) in one of our specialist ICT suites.  They will complete units of work which will provide opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding and technical ability in a range of software and use of the internet.  This will be delivered through a variety of learning activities including the use of on-line learning materials.

During Year 9, pupils undertake extended pieces of work to develop competence with more of the advanced tools and features of the software.  They will have opportunities to work with a wider range of software and hardware and it is expected that pupils will develop their strategies to work more independently of the teacher, through preparatory work for KS4.  These skills are integral to becoming an effective learner, are transferable to other subjects and will be beneficial to learning post 16.

They will develop competency in the following areas:
* analysing problems and identifying the outcomes required,
* researching effectively; selecting and using appropriate resources, and recording and acknowledging sources,
* planning and monitoring their own progress,
* developing and recording ideas, and producing solutions which effectively meet the needs of the defined audience and purpose,
* critically evaluating their own work and that of others, to enable improvement(s).

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 can 'opt' to study a Digital Applications qualification (the equivalent of up to two GCSEs).  This initially takes the form of AIDA (Award in Digital Applications) and can be topped up to achieve CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications). 

Those who do not choose ICT as an option subject will still receive one 1 hour lesson of ICT each week to meet National Curriculum requirements.  Pupils will be guided onto an appropriate course determined by their progress and achievement at Key Stage 3, and some may have an opportunity to attempt to achieve an 'extra' GCSE by supplementing their compulsory ICT with sufficient extra 'self-supported' study. 

Homework tasks will take a variety of formats and may include; research (internet or otherwise), practising new skills, preparation/annotation of design plans, learning vocabulary, collection of materials to bring to lessons, worksheets, evaluation and self-assessment, and completion of lesson tasks.


EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION
Pupils are able to use the computers in the ICT suites during lunchtimes and after school, in Ms Williams and Mrs Smith's rooms.  These are open every day of the week.  Any pupil wishing to use a room outside of lesson times should see the notices in the ICT area for further information and will need to ensure the 'Acceptable User Policy' (see pupil planner) is signed by themselves and a parent/guardian, especially if they wish to use the internet.

Pupils are encouraged to use the computers in their own time for many reasons:
* to practise and consolidate new skills learnt in ICT lessons
* to investigate the tools and features of a wide range of software
* to undertake skills audits and tutorials
* to complete homework and coursework
* for research purposes, and
* to undertake independent revision and examination practice, using the wealth of online learning materials available.

On occasions throughout the year, priority is given to KS4 pupils so that they may have opportunities to meet coursework deadlines.  Other subject areas across school also offer the use of computers outside of lesson times, including the school library. 

BUSINESS STUDIES PROVISION
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 can 'opt' to study 'Business' as a GCSE subject.

The department currently offers the Edexcel GCSE Business Studies Single Award [1503] qualification at Key Stage 4.
This is assessed in two parts; an internally moderated piece of coursework [25%] and an external examination [75%].

Business Studies in Year 10
Business Studies offers Year 10 students a fresh challenge and a new opportunity to learn a new subject. Staff endeavour to provide interesting and inspirational lessons to the next generation of business leaders. The Year 10 curriculum is structured as follows:
• Business Ownership: This includes Business Aims and Objectives, Sole Traders, Partnerships, Private Limited Companies (LTD's), Public Limited Companies (PLC's), Franchises and Multi National Organisations.
• Marketing: This includes Market Segmentation, Market Research, the 'marketing mix', customer profiling and legislation affecting marketing. GCSE Coursework: Students start to work on their coursework. This is worth 25% of their final GCSE grade and is primarily based on them developing a marketing strategy for a new business idea. This will require students to employ independent research skills, ICT skills and report writing skills.
• Human Resource Management and Government: This includes communication, training and development, motivation, organisational structures, recruitment and selection, payment of staff and trade unions, Government objectives, inflation, interest rates, government spending, European Union, single currency and importing and exporting.

Business Studies in Year 11
In Year 11 students continue to develop their range of skills when undertaking academically challenging subject matter and completing their GCSE coursework which is worth 25% of their final GCSE grade
The Year 11 curriculum is structured as follows:
• Business Finance: This includes sources of finance, cash flow forecasting, budgets, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and financial ratios.
• Production: This section focuses on the way organisations use and manage resources to produce goods and services.
• Completing their GCSE coursework
• Preparing students for their final examinations. Business Studies teachers will concentrate on use of the pre-release case study, revision organisation, revision technique and examination technique.

ICT ACROSS THE CURRICULUM (ICTAC)
We firmly believe that all teaching staff should be competent to deliver an ICT requirement within their own subject area, which complements and consolidates the teaching and learning experienced within ICT lessons.

The 4 ICT suites are available on a booking system to accommodate use by other subject areas and many faculties have their own ICT suites; Art, Design Technology, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Media Studies and Music.