Prospectus
Information and Communication Technology Department
Introduction
The Downs School has excellent ICT provision including 9 fully equipped ICT suites and specialist facilities in the Library and subject areas. Development is continuing year to year, introducing some of the latest hardware, software and teaching tools.
Key Stage 3
In the ICT Department itself, discrete ICT is delivered to Years 7, 8 and 9 – building upon the skills and experiences gained during the students’ formative education. The government ICT strategy is followed and enhanced by innovative projects such as international links and clubs covering web design and robotics. To encourage a higher level of participation by girls there is an active Computer Club for Girls.
GCSE
GCSE ICT is offered as an option in years 10 and 11.
Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level
The 'A' level in Applied ICT is run in the Sixth Form. This is an exciting, up to date, course from Edexcel which is totally equivalent with other 'A' levels and carries the same university points. It is more heavily weighted towards coursework than exams. One of our current year 13 students on the 'A' level Applied IT course has created a video to provide you with some additional information (may take a short time to load).
Some students choose to study the Edexcel BTEC level 2 Diploma which is equivalent to four GCSE's at A* to C grades. This is the core part of a 1 year vocational course which integrates with aspects of employment skills, money management, First Aid and customer service and includes integral work experience.
Students throughout the school are encouraged to make full use of their ICT skills within their other studies wherever appropriate. Many take an active interest in current developments in the ICT industry and study daily ICT news and business items.
