Reasons to study ICT (OCN)

ICT

ICT is a modern course in IT that places its emphasis on applications development using software such as spreadsheets, databases and the web. It helps pupils to develop skills in a range of packages and helps them to understand new technologies and applications.

A student particularly well suited to this subject will be one hoping to extend their practical skills and develop their problem solving skills.

There are no written examinations in this qualification and is 100% course work assessed. When completed it is equivalent to GCSE grade ‘B’.

Why Study ICT?

ICT is not how you use technology but how it works and the effects it has not just on our daily lives but in everything from commerce and communication, to politics and the music industry.

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.

What Will I Learn?

Examine current and upcoming technologies

Look at what ideas and resources are needed to create the latest technology.

How to solve problems using ICT tools and techniques

You will look at a variety of ICT tools that are used in the work environment, such as:

· Word processing

· Effective use of email for business purposes

· How databases are used in the office

The impact of ICT on society

You get to explore real life situations that ICT has an effect on and how it is used effectively.

Reasons to study GCSE Digital Technology

· Studying Digital Technology empowers you to solve complex, challenging problems, enabling you to make a positive difference in the world.

· Computing jobs often come with high salaries.

· Computing skills are essential in a wide range of professions, from astronomy to financial analysis – not just in IT related jobs!

· There are many opportunities for travel and/or remote working for people with high-level computing skills.

· Studying Digital Technology can significantly improve performance in other academic subjects.

· The future possibilities for people with Computer Science skills are unlimited, and these skills are only going to become more important.

· Computers are everywhere so understanding them puts you in charge of your world.

GCSE Digital Technology

Digital Technology is an exciting and creative subject. It helps students to develop the technical understanding, skills and language to create computer-based solutions and programs with practical, real-world applications.

Students develop skills with the industry-standard programming language C# (Programming Path)

Students develop skills in using database software and creating websites (Multimedia Path)

Why study Digital Technology?

Almost every aspect of our lives is affected by computers, from how we travel to school and manage our social lives to vast networks that control global communication, trade, finance and transportation. In fact, using computers has become so integral to our daily lives it would be difficult to imagine life without them.

Understanding how computing shapes our world and learning the skills necessary to be a part of this digital revolution is vital for everyone. Studying Digital Technology is a key pathway for young people to secure their role in a rapidly evolving job market that already demands high levels of computing skill and literacy.

What is covered in this course?

This course covers the theory of computer science as well as practical problem solving and programming.

Students will examine how computer systems are composed, function, what they can achieve, and the data types required to accomplish tasks. They will also learn different techniques to approach computer-based problem solving using high-level programming language like C#.

Students will also examine the pressing issues of cyber security and ethics.

Multimedia Path or Programming Path?

GCSE Digital Technology has two pathways;

1. Multimedia - in the second year of study this focuses on how IT is used in the work environment. Students complete two pieces of controlled assessment. One piece is the effective use of databases and the second is creating a website for a given scenario.

2. Programming – in the second year students create a computer program to produce a solution to a given problem.