Digital Technology

Details of the Examination Specification 

The GCSE in Digital Technology (3540CS) is delivered through the WJEC examinations board across three lessons per week. 

Subject Content 

The qualification will allow learners to develop their understanding of the range of digital technology systems at use in our connected and globalised society. It will also allow learners to explore the ever-evolving nature of digital technology systems and how these systems can be used productively, creatively and safely.

Unit - The digital world

Content:

·          digital technology systems

·          the value of digital technology

·          perspectives on digital technology

Unit - Digital practices

Content:

·          Systems Life Cycle and product development

·          Interrogating spreadsheet data

·          data-informed digital products

o Web site creation

o    Animation

o    Creating Computer Games

Unit - Communicating in the digital world

Content:

·         social media and online marketing communications

·         creating digital assets and planning digital communications

How is the Course Assessed?

Unit - The digital world

On-screen examination: 1 hour 30 minutes - 40% of qualification - 80 marks

Details: An assessment (taken on-screen), comprising of a range of question types to assess specification content related to digital technology systems, the value of digital technology and perspectives on digital technology.  All questions are compulsory.

Digital practices

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 45 hours - 40% of qualification - 80 marks  

A non-examined assessment comprising of two sections.  In Section A candidates will interrogate a supplied data set imported into a spreadsheet in order to inform Section B, where they will create a website incorporating either an  animation or a game related to a set context.

Communicating in the digital world

Non-exam assessment (NEA): 15 hours - 20% of qualification - 60 marks  

A non-examined assessment focusing on marketing digital assets using social media. Candidates will create digital assets related to a set context and then formulate an online digital communications campaign around them.

What grades can I get?

This course allows students to be able to achieve the full range of GCSE Grades from A* to F. 

What is Expected of the Student?

Although this course has a practical element, it is an academic course and will require commitment form the student. Students will be expected not only to commit themselves to learning the theory in the course but also to developing their creative use of software. Learning the skills will require practise beyond the lessons (and set homework). 

Additional Information: 

This is an exciting course which allows students the opportunity to get really involved in many aspects of Computing.  Those students that enter the spirit of the project will find it both stimulating and useful. 

The course allows clear progression into A-Level Digital Technology. 

You can download the syllabus from the WJEC  website.