Information Technology
Information and Communication Technology is one of the most rapidly developing subjects in the curriculum and one of the fastest developing parts of the world economy. As a result it is essential that students have a good knowledge of computing systems before they venture into further education or full time employment. ICT at Dubai College provides students with an understanding of a variety of software applications and ways in which ICT affects modern day society.
Dubai College has 4 designated ICT suites as well as small computer areas in most subject areas, including a larger area in the school library. Students are taught by specialist ICT staff at all key stages and have the opportunity to use a wide array of computer applications in other subject lessons. The campus also has a wireless network connection and students are encouraged to bring in their own laptops and mobile devices in order to complete work.
Course Outline at Key Stage 3
In Year 7, students gain a set of advanced skills in Database, Spreadsheet and Desktop Publishing applications, building on competencies that they will have developed in primary school. In Year 8, students have the opportunity to develop new skills in Control and Music Editing software as well as gain knowledge about how ICT can be used effectively when completing a project. More complex ICT skills are developed in Year 9 using Animation, Programming and Photo Editing applications.
Course Outline at GCSE
Students opting to take GCSE ICT follow the WJEC course comprising 60% coursework and 40% terminal examination. The course offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for students to identify and solve real problems by designing ICT systems in a wide range of contexts relating to their personal interests. The course seeks to develop students’ interdisciplinary skills as well as their capacity for imaginative and innovative thinking, creativity and independence.
In Year 10, students will sit an examination paper in the summer term which assesses their knowledge and understanding of ICT in a home and school context. Students also have to complete an assessment under controlled conditions which will demonstrate their ability to obtain and interpret different types of information: using, developing and communicating information for a given purpose.
Students sit a second examination paper in the final term of Year 11; this intends to assess the application content of ICT in a business and industry context. The controlled conditions assessment in this year gives students the opportunity to develop a piece of work using multimedia software.
For further information about the course, please click on the following link:
http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?subject=72&level=7
Course Outline at A Level
In the Sixth Form, students follow the AQA Applied ICT course. The fundamental philosophy of this specification is that, in order to understand the nature of Information and Communication Technology, students must actively experience the Information and Communication Technology environment. It encourages students to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge and gives credit for what students can do as well as what they understand.
Students have to complete 3 units of work in their first year of study. IT01 is completed under controlled conditions and is externally assessed; students are required to communicate and present information showing their understanding of development in ICT and the effects these have on individuals and society. IT02 and IT03 are both portfolios of work and assess students’ understanding of how ICT is used within a business organisation and how Data Handling software can be used appropriately in a business context.
Students have to compete a further 3 units of work in Year 13. IT10 is completed under controlled conditions and is externally assessed. It requires students to design and create a spreadsheet model which could be used in a real business situation. IT08 and IT14 are both portfolios of work which provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their ability in producing an advanced multimedia presentation and using ICT to successfully manage a project.
For further information regarding the course, please click on the following link:
http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/ict/app_ict_noticeboard.php?id=04&prev=04