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

Since September 2007 all young people in Year 10 study for a GCSE ICT qualification. Both GCSE and Applied GCSE (Double Award) are offered and pupils are encouraged to extend their ICT skills as far as possible to prepare them for higher level study and the world of work.

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. Some students choose to study the BTEC First Diploma for ICT Practitioners. This is the core part of a 1 year vocational course which integrates with aspects of employment skills, money management and customer service and includes integral work experience. We also offer CLAIT Plus 2006 (a level 2 qualification) to those Sixth formers who have no formal qualification in ICT.

From September 2009 a new qualification, the Diploma, will be available for 17-19 year olds. One of our current students on the BTEC course has created a series of web pages to provide you with some additional information.

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.