Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Why Choose ICT at GCSE? We live in a world of technology and ICT its part of our daily lives from when we wake until we go to sleep. From making phone calls to sending text messages to reading the news online and social networking with our friends.

GCSE ICT explores how technology works and its effects Not just on our daily lives but in everything from commerce and communication, to politics and the music industry. Technology and ICT are here to stay, where ever we turn we are affected by technology.

It’s the way of the Future For all careers - so whether you’re looking at heading towards business studies, fashion, engineering, graphic or game designing, health or the environment, you will need to know how ICT works and the impact it has.

Technology and ICT in the News

Everyday Use of Technology and ICT

The Different Companies involved in Technology and ICT

The Different Applications Used in ICT

Section 1 - Current and Emerging Technologies You will explore current and developing technologies that affect our lives, e.g. social networking applications like Facebook, instant messaging and mini blogs like Twitter. You will look at the ideas and resources behind the creation of these latest technologies. Investigate companies such as Apple, Sony, IBM and Google to research what new products are on the horizon.

Section 2 - Solve problems using ICT tools and techniques Students will look at the different stages of creating a new ICT tool; from generating ideas to producing the tool or system to solve an ICT based problem. Communication tools like Facebook and the Internet, as well as new forms of communication Control systems such as Satellite Navigation and business tools like Word Processing and DTP Leisure activities like booking movie tickets or downloading music

Section 3 – Societies Use of ICT You will explore real life situations involving ICT on legal, social, economic, environmental, ethical and moral issues. You will research the effects of personal websites and social networks on different areas of society, as well as the law.

The Assessment Process consists of 3 Units: Unit 1 System and Applications in ICT – this unit consists of short and long answer questions that are externally assessed and make up 40% of the total marks. Unit 2 Applying ICT – is a problem solving case study investigating the impact of new technologies on methods of working and on social, economic, ethical and moral issues. This unit is internally assessed and makes up 30% of the total marks. Unit 3 Practical Problem Solving in ICT – students will create an ICT solution for a given company by using a range of different ICT applications. This unit is internally assessed and makes up 30% of the total marks.