Business and ICT Computer Science
Information and Communication Technology
All lessons are taught in specialist computer rooms to enhance pupils’ skills and experience of using ICT.
ICT is a core subject and all Year 7, 8 and 9 students follow a programme of study in lessons of 1 hour a week. The emphasis will be on developing student’s core ICT skills so that they can be confident around all parts of the curriculum. There will be a introduction to programming in Year 7 which will be developed in Year 8. Year 9 will focus on using ICT to complete enterprise style projects and develop their understanding of its use in the business world.
Business Studies
At key Stage 4 pupils have the opportunity to opt to follow a GCSE in Business Studies. This is a new course that brings together the subjects of Business Studies. It will provide students with a wide range of knowledge and practical ICT skills essential in today’s modern business world. The course covers three core units which are delivered over two years. Unit 1 provides an introduction into all elements required to run a business. Unit 2 investigates how a small business functions and unit 4 looks at economics.
Computer Science
This course brings together the elements of computing and programming. It is designed to help students understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms, and data representation. It will provide students with a wide range of knowledge and practical computing skills essential in today’s modern business world.
The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to analyse problems in computational terms through the practical experience of solving problems, including designing, writing and debugging programs. Students will be encouraged to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. They will learn about the impacts of digital technology to the individual and to wider society, they will apply mathematical skills relevant to computer science.
Related subjects at AS, A vocational A level or BTEC National course are Computer Science, Games Development, IT and Maths. Related careers include: Computer programming web design and development, network administrator, systems analyst, systems engineer, intelligence analyst, game designer.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
To support the students in developing their understanding, links have been built with local businesses with visits forming an integral part of their study to develop an understanding of the workplace. The GCSE course will allow the development of skills which are completely relevant to the workplace.
| Contact Details |
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| Mr A. Ball – Head of ICT & Business |
| GCSE Exam Board |
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Students follow the Edexcel Business Studies Edexcel (1CP1) specification. GCSE Computer Science Edexcel (1BSO) |
GCSE Controlled Conditions
Students following the GCSE course will undertake a controlled assessment which is based on a real business scenario. Students will be given research time before writing up their case study under timed conditions. The controlled conditions element of the course contributes 25% towards the final grade.
Revision Guides
Students will be provided with Pearson revision guides for the GCSE Business Studies course.
