Why we teach ICT

The ICT Curriculum has been designed to enable every student at St Paul’s to learn and gain fundamental knowledge of digital communication technology.

Our aim is for all students to become masters of technology and enhance their learning across all subjects whilst at school and thereafter by:

• Understanding how to stay safe while using technology within the online world.
• Identifying how computers work.
• Understanding how computers are programmed.
• Utilising specialist software application to present data.
• Communicating and collaborating within the digital world.
• Applying logic and sequence to problem-solve.

Our vision for ICT at St Paul's

Our rich ICT curriculum considers the 'global impact of digital literacy and competency in a rapidly changing world' [The School Run, 2022]. We equip our students with digital competency to successfully explore the opportunities available to them. These are:

• Employability skills through programming at KS3 and KS4
• Linking the curriculum to careers in computing, engineering, IT and data
• KS4 pathways: BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology and GCSE Computer Science

Clubs

Year 10 BTEC DIT Component 1 Club:

• Every Monday – 15:30 to 16:30
• Every Tuesday – 15:30 to 16:15

 

GCSE Computer Science

Exam board: OCR

What will I study? 

Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Computer Science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. Analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. They think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically understand the components that make up digital systems, and how they communicate with one another and with other systems, understand the impact of digital technology on the individual and to wider society apply mathematical skills relevant to Computer Science.

What skills will I develop? 

The qualification is divided into two components and students will study the following topics:

Component 1: Computer systems.

This component will assess: 

• 1.1 Systems architecture 
• 1.2 Memory and storage 
• 1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols 
• 1.4 Network security 
• 1.5 Systems software 
• 1.6 Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology 

Component 2: Computational thinking, algorithms and programming.

This component will assess: 

• 2.1 Algorithms 
• 2.2 Programming fundamentals 
• 2.3 Producing robust programs 
• 2.4 Boolean logic 
• 2.5 Programming languages and Integrated Development Environments 

How will I be assessed? 

Students will complete two papers, one for each component. 

Component 1: Computer Systems will consist of a written paper:

1 hour and 30 minutes – 50% of total GCSE - 80 marks 

This is a non-calculator paper. All questions are mandatory. This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short response questions and extended response questions. 

Component 2: Computational Thinking Written paper:

1 hour and 30 minutes – 50% of total GCSE - 80 marks 

This is a non-calculator paper. This paper has two sections: Section A and Section B. Students must answer both sections. All questions are mandatory. 

In Section B, questions assessing students' ability to write or refine algorithms must be answered using either the OCR Exam Reference Language or the high-level programming language they are familiar with. 

Where can this course take me? 

A-Level Computer Science or a computing apprenticeship or degree. A career in cybersecurity, games developer, Web Developer, App developer and systems analyst, to name a few. 

 

BTEC Digital Information Technology 

Exam board: Edexcel

What will I study? 

The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is for learners who want to acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by studying project planning, data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. 

What skills will I develop? 

The Tech Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific applied knowledge and skills through realistic vocational contexts. The main focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover: development of key skills that prove your aptitude in digital information technology; processes that underpin effective ways of working in digital information technology; the attitudes that are considered most important in digital information technology, including personal management and communication and the knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process and attitudes in the sector such as how different user interfaces meet user needs. 

How will I be assessed? 

Learners are required to complete and achieve all three components of the qualification. Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology. 

Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques 36 guided learning hours 1/2 Internal assessment 

Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data – 36 guided learning hours 1/2 Internal assessment 

Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices – 48 guided learning hours 1/2 synoptic internal. 

Where can this course take me? 

Completing this qualification in Key Stage 4 helps learners make informed choices for further study. Those achieving at Level 2 may opt for A Levels or a vocational qualification like a BTEC National in IT. For Level 1 achievers, progression to Level 2 post-16 in technical routes is recommended, leading to work, apprenticeships, or further study. The skills covered in this qualification, particularly in IT Support or Digital Technology, align with these pathways and can lead to employment in the digital sector for high-performing learners. 

Head of Department: Mr A Molefi