ICT

Head of Department: Miss J Brown – jb@barneyschool.org.uk
Teacher of IT: Mr H W Fairwood

Introduction
Did you know that in the year you were born only 4% of the world’s population had access to the internet? Which is why back in 1995, shopping, chatting or researching homework on a computer seemed incredible. Since then the world wide web has grown and transformed the way we communicate and do business. Other advances in digital technology have revolutionised our phones, our cameras, our cars – even the way we watch TV. You’ve lived through the most significant decade yet in information and communication technologies and you’re the people who understand and use them the most.

Course/Exam board: GCSE Edexcel 2IT01

Specification at a glance
Unit 1 Living in a Digital World –
Learners 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 and earning, leisure, shopping and money management, health and wellbeing and on the move). You will develop an awareness of the risks that are inherent in using ICT and the features of safe, secure and responsible practice.
Unit 2 Using Digital Tools –
In this practical unit, pupils broaden and enhance their ICT skills and capability. You will work with a range of digital tools and techniques to produce effective ICT solutions in a range of contexts. You will learn to reflect critically on your own and others’ use of ICT and to adopt safe, secure and responsible practice.

Your route through the syllabus and assessment
Unit 1 – one examination paper (1 hour 30 minutes) worth 40% of the grade
Unit 2 – one controlled assessment worth 60%.
The first assessment opportunity for all units takes place in the June of Year 11.

What ICT can do for you
Edexcel’s new GCSE ICT is a ‘must-have’ qualification for all students, not just those who are considering a career in the IT industry. Everyone needs to be a savvy IT user, whatever their career aspirations. In addition:

• It is future-proofed, so when new technologies come on stream you’ll learn about them and discard anything that is past its sell-by.
• You will have a head start, building on material you already know – a bit like taking a GCSE in a long-held interest.
• It is relevant – whatever you choose to do later, the skills you learn will help you, at university, at work, in managing your money and operating online.