Students acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of digital technology in a variety of contexts. They also develop creative and practical digital technology skills, either using a range of generic software or in an object-oriented environment. They explore the legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental impact of digital technology. This qualification also helps them to develop transferable skills such as creative problem solving and teamwork.

​

With this qualification, students may choose to progress to our GCE Digital Technology, GCE Software Systems Development or a related qualification. This GCSE also helps to equip students for a career in a multitude of industries, such as digital media, mobile development, cyber security, cloud computing and managing big data.

​

​

GCSE in Digital Technology is unitised, so we sit one exam at the end of the first year of study.

​

The specification has three units:

​

• Unit 1: Digital Technology

• Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts

• Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice

 

In Year 11 students will study Unit 1 and a small part of Unit 3.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Today’s work environment depends increasingly on a range of technologies. The OCN NI Level 2 Award and Certificate in Information Technology Applications are designed to provide learners with the IT skills required to function successfully in the work and wider environment.

 

Information Technology Applications is an exciting and dynamic subject which will appeal to pupils with a creative flair and who are interested in pursuing a career in the IT industries e.g. web and digital communications.

​

Which units will I study?

​

• Email software skills

• Spreadsheet software

• Websites software

• Database software

​

​

​

 

 

 

The world of work is constantly changing. Today it is uncommon for a person to have only one occupation throughout their working life, so it’s vital that we are able to transfer and adapt our knowledge and skills throughout our careers.

 

To foster these abilities, Occupational Studies allows learners to learn for work, through work and about work, and it provides the potential for this learning to take place in out-of-school contexts. This hands-on approach is ideal for those who prefer to develop their skills in a more practical, occupational environment.

 

Occupational Studies is both coherent and flexible and provides a good foundation from which to advance to competence-based post-16 courses.

​

Digital Imaging

​

This unit includes:

 

Using a selection of equipment for digital photography and creative imaging;

• Capturing images in different styles and genres;

• Manipulating images in a software package, for example Photoshop;

• Presenting a photography project to an audience;

• Consideration of career opportunities in the digital imaging industry;

• Consideration of health and safety issues in the digital imaging industry;

• Consideration of environmental issues in the digital imaging industry;

• A review and evaluation of performance

​