Information and Communication Technology

What is ICT? 

ICT, or information and communications technology (or technologies), is the infrastructure and components that enable modern computing.

Although there is no single, universal definition of ICT, the term is generally accepted to mean all devices, networking components, applications and systems that combined allow people and organizations (i.e., businesses, nonprofit agencies, governments and criminal enterprises) to interact in the digital world.

Why choose this course?

 Information and Communication Technology encourages learners to develop lifelong skills, including:

• understanding and using applications

• using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to solve problems

• analysing, designing, implementing, testing and evaluating ICT systems, ensuring that they are fit for purpose

• understanding the implications of technology in society, including social, economic and ethical uses

• awareness of the ways ICT can help in home, learning and work environments.

Further Study in the IB 

Digital Society (DS) is offered as part of the IB programme at St Julian's School. The IGCSE offers a fantastic introduction to the IB course and would put students at a distinct advantage at the beginning of the course. 

The study of this course is not a prerequisite for studying IB Computer Science. 

The programme of study will vary from year to year as term dates move around. Option blocks run 7 periods within a fortnight. The syllabus below details each of the elements of the course. 

During the course, the Theory Section and the Practical section are run side by side. 

Assessment

There is no coursework in this subject. Around the end of April students will sit the Paper 2 and Paper 3 examinations. These are two practical papers where students are given a number of tasks to do with web design, spreadsheets, presentations, image editing and databases to test their knowledge and understanding of the practical elements of the course. The Paper 1 examination is taken at the same time as the other GCSEs. 

Paper 1 (1 hour 30 min)

Written theory paper 

40% of total marks

Paper 2 (2 hours 15 min)

Practical test : Document Production, Databases and Presentation

30% of total marks

Paper 3 (2 hours 15 min)

Practical test : Spreadsheets and Web authorizing

30% of total marks

Cambridge IGCSE ICT Coursebook with CD-ROM Second Edition

Cambridge IGCSE ICT Second Edition

Letts Cambridge IGCSE ICT Revision Guide

Cambridge IGCSE ICT (Second Edition)

Since students learn the usage of Microsoft Office applications (along with many others) ICT students should have a laptop with Windows operating System.