1 unit is taught each term, which has a summative assessment based on the success criteria defined in the online ICT markbook. The criteria are shared throughout the unit and used through self and peer assessment activities for students to gain a better understanding of the assessment criteria and identify areas for improvement in their work. Regular live feedback is given by the teacher checking on pupils’ progress during lessons. The 6 units for work covered in  year 7 and 8 cover a range of skills to prepare students for three possible KS4 pathways:

• IT (iMedia),
• Computer Science
• Graphic  Communication

The GCSE Computer Science course (OCR J277) is assessed at the end of year 11 with 2 exam papers. Students will complete regular in class assessments and mock exams. Students also have access to an interactive learning grid to answer exam questions online during and outside of lesson time.  

The ICT course (Cambridge Nationals Level 2 in iMedia) consists of 2 NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) and 1 Exam unit. Students will complete the first NEA unit in year 10, counting for 35% of the course and the second NEA unit in year 11 counting for 25% of the course. At the end of year 11, students will also complete a written exam counting for 40% of the course. 

• The A Level Computer Science course (OCR H446) consists of two exam units both counting for 40% of the course and completed at the end of year 13 and one computing project (Non-Exam Assessment) counting for 20% of the course. 

   

  The BTEC Level 3 in IT course consists of 4 units of work: · 34% Externally Assessed Exam · 50% Internally set Coursework (NEA) (2 units) · 16% Externally set Controlled Assessment (Database)

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  Students complete one internal and one external piece of work in both Y12 and Y13.

  Internally Assessed:

  Students are provided with the examination criteria from the course specifications, alongside a written description for each grade (D, M, P). They have to submit their work by a set deadline and then after receiving feedback, they are allowed 15 days to make improvements and re-submit.

  Externally Assessed:

  1) Written exam: Students sit a mock assessment in line with the school timetable. This provides them an opportunity to sit a real test and receive feedback.

  • Use of online toolwww.knowitallninja.comto revise key terminology across all specification content.
  • Use of departmental learning grids – including previous exam questions.

  2) Database controlled assessment:

  Live feedback is provided by the teacher during the lesson to support student understanding on database concepts.

  • Use of exam style tasks with written feedback to provide students with feedback on smaller chunks of the controlled assessment.
  Lots of similar but different tasks, preparing the students for the real controlled assessment.