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Why should I choose GCSE ICT?
ICT has become an essential skill in our world today. We all make use of it from hash tags to smartphones to designing podcasts and playing online games. ICT is all around us. We constantly use it. Imagine what ‘lockdown’ would have been like if we didn’t have ICT.
And the world of ICT is constantly changing. Robotic hoovers, robotic lawnmowers, newer and better smart phones/cameras, smart cars, Google classroom.
Our lives have become more dependent upon ICT and this course will help you understand the effects ICT has upon our lives as well as you learning how to use ICT packages to develop and understand ICT affects.
How will I be assessed in this subject?
This course is assessed by 100% coursework.
The course (4 units) is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s.
Each unit is divided into smaller assignments which you are given to complete. You will be taught by two different teachers who will each teach you two of the units. They will guide you through each assignment to ensure your work is to the standard required.
We have 100% pass rate for all submitted work.
In other words, students receive 2 GCSE passes (A’s, B’s or C’s) in this subject.
What will I study?
OCR Level 2 Cambridge Technicals ICT (equivalent to 2 GCSE’s)
This is a skills and knowledge based course which aims to give pupils the ICT foundation they will need in future life.
During this course, pupils can expect to develop practical skills in office software and develop their understanding of information communication technology.
In this course, pupils will explore how digital technology impacts on the lives of individuals, organisations and society. Pupils learn about current and emerging technologies and the issues raised by their use. Pupils use a range of software and hardware tools to develop and evaluate digital products such as leaflets, web pages and presentations, games, videos, audio presentations.
The course is divided into 4 units:
Unit 1
Communicating in the IT industry
This unit identifies the different IT tools available for safe and secure communication and exchange of information within an organisation.
Unit 2
Working in the IT industry
This unit investigates various job roles within the ICT sector and what it is that the industry requires from people wishing to work in the industry.
Unit 9
Website Development
This unit will prepare the students to design, create and test a fully functioning website to meet a client’s specification, while also providing the basic knowledge of the components that aid web accessibility.
Unit 11
Interactive Media production
This unit will allow learners to investigate a range of multimedia applications through various mediums such as the Internet, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM and mobile phone applications. The unit will prepare learners to design, create, test and review their own multimedia application.
What career pathways are available to me if I study this subject?
The use of IT is required in practically every job which is available today. Just think about how much IT you use in a day. Smart passes, credit cards, mobile phones, dinner passes in the canteen, attendance register, Google Classroom, and you are still a student.
In the world of work, ICT is essential in order to work today, either in the workplace or from home.
Every career requires the use of ICT, hence a better understanding of ICT will give you the edge over those competing with you for a job.
Specific IT careers include:
· Information Architect
· Network Administrator
· Technical Editor/Writer
· Usability Analyst
· Content Manager
· Systems Analyst
· Technology Coordinator
· Web Developer/Administrator
· Information Technology Manager
· Social Media Manager
· Digital Media Manager
· Project Manager
· Chief Technology Officer
· Information Technology Director
· Chief Information Officer
And many more. In fact, the ICT jobs which will be required in 10 years time have not been created yet.
By 2023, there will be a need for 3 BILLION people to work in the Artificial Intelligence industry, and that is only one aspect of ICT.
Extra curricular activities
If you choose GCSE ICT, you may have the opportunity to take part in the following activities;
Minecraft Club
The Gaming club
Robotics club
Coding club
Digital School House
Guest speakers from various occupations within the ICT industry
Visit to Google European Headquarters in Dublin
iDea Certification
Bebras Computational Thinking Competition
Visit to Queens University, Belfast Computing Department
PwC short courses available
Student Testimonials
I chose ICT at GCSE because I love computers. I’ve been interested in computers for my whole life as a result of growing up basically surrounded by them, so it was a no-brainer.
I knew that I’d enjoy learning about how a computer works, and how to use them more effectively, which obviously helped me develop my skills more. I also learned a lot of skills that I know will help me in the future, even if computers aren’t the primary tool for the job.
ICT is one of the most important skills in today’s world and I’m someone who feels that ICT should have a larger presence at schools especially. I believe that if you’re serious about your future, then ICT is a must-have subject.
I also decided to continue my studies of ICT by choosing it as one of my A Level courses.
Ethan, Year 14
GCSE ICT is great as it further allowed me to enhance my knowledge that I learnt in Key Stage 3, and I learnt skills that I will need in my future job, since ICT is so important in most jobs today and you are constantly learning something new.
I loved the ICT course as it is 100% coursework so I always knew what grade I was sitting on. ICT was great because at the end of Year 12, I finished the course in March/April time, so this allowed me to concentrate on my exam subjects.
Daire, Year 14
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