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.

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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.

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

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The specification has three units:

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• Unit 1: Digital Technology

• Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts

• Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice

 

In Year 12 students will study Unit 2 and 3.

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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.

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It has been developed to:

• inspire and enthuse learners to become technology savvy – producers of technology products and systems and not just consumers

• give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the Information Technology sector and some aspects of the creative industries e.g. electronic publishing or multimedia production.

• allow for a flexible choice of units to meet the needs of learners with different interests and inclinations

• give learners a more focused understanding of Information and Creative Technology through the selection of optional specialist units

• explore the fundamentals of technology and gain the practical skills, knowledge and understanding to design, make and review:  information technology systems and products, e.g. a relational database o creative technology products, e.g. a digital animation o products that combine information technology and creative technology, e.g. a website

• encourage personal development, motivation and confidence, through practical participation and by giving learners responsibility for their own projects

• encourage learners to develop their people, communication, planning and team-working skills by having the opportunity to select from optional units available in the qualification structure

• give learners the potential opportunity to enter employment within a wide range of job roles across the Information Technology sector and some aspects of the creative industries, such as Website Content Manager, Computer Animator and Graphic Designer.

 

Units studied:

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• Unit 1 - Database Software 

• Unit 2 - Spreadsheet Software