At KS4 IT is offered as an option to all pupils. From following OCR specification, the IT curriculum is designed to 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.

Pupils will 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.

Pupils will also be taught how 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.

This qualification will support a range of subjects such as A Levels in Business or Geography, or Cambridge Technicals in IT. They can also support their progression into employment through Apprenticeships in areas such as Digital Marketer or Business Administrator.

Curriculum Aims

Our students will develop project management and planning skills become confident in their use of various software tools to solve problems. Students will understand the potential threats that workplaces face, as well as the steps that are put in place to mitigate such threats. We aim to ensure that students are ethical users of IT and understand potential legal issues that may occur due to unethical use and the consequences of doing so.

Information Technologies: OCR Cambridge Nationals

Year 9

Pupils will learn the skills required to complete the controlled assessment in Year 10

LO2: To be able to initiate and plan a solution to meet an identified need

LO5: To be able to import and manipulate data to develop a solution to meet an identified need

LO7: To be able to select and present information in the development of the solution to meet an identified need

Year 10

Pupils will complete the R013 - Developing Technological Solutions unit of their Controlled Assessment for January submission.

This will evidence the below learning objectives:

LO2: To be able to initiate and plan a solution to meet an identified need

LO5: To be able to import and manipulate data to develop a solution to meet an identified need

LO7: To be able to select and present information in the development of the solution to meet an identified need

LO8: To be able to iteratively review and evaluate the development of the solution.

Following the exam, the learning objectives below will be covered ready for examination in Year 11.

R012 - Understanding tools, techniques, methods and processes for technological solution

LO2: To be able to initiate and plan a solution to meet an identified need

LO5: To be able to import and manipulate data to develop a solution to meet an identified need

Year 11

Current Year 11 – R013 - Controlled Assessment submission – January submission

This will evidence the below learning objectives:

LO2: To be able to initiate and plan a solution to meet an identified need

LO5: To be able to import and manipulate data to develop a solution to meet an identified need

LO7: To be able to select and present information in the development of the solution to meet an identified need

LO8: To be able to iteratively review and evaluate the development of the solution.

January to May 2020 - Pupils complete Controlled Assessment or prepare for examination resit of course.

Assessment

Year 9

P2S1 – Pupils will complete a 1 hour assessment covering the content, and the practical content that they have covered so far.

P2S2 – Pupils will complete a 1 hour assessment covering the content, and the practical content that they have covered so far in preparation for their Controlled Assessment entry in Year 10.

Year 10

P2S1 – A pupil's grade represents their controlled assessment assessed grade which contributes to 50% of the overall course. Pupils should be working at approximately half their target grade.

P2S2 - Pupils will complete a past examination paper. It is expected that pupils will hit their target grade.

Year 11

P2S1/Mock – A pupil's assessed grade represents their controlled assessment assessed grade, and their final examination grade (received at the end of Year 10). Pupils should be working at their target grade.