Topics covered in Year 8 

8.1 Introduction to HTML and Web Design

Students will learn how to use HTML to build a series of webpages that are linked together via a navigation system. Additionally, they will begin to use CSS to define the styles they use in their web pages.

8.2 Data Analysis

This unit focusses on students analysing and presenting data using spreadsheet software.

8.3 Using Databases

Students will become familiar with the software used, and design various database objects to enter, process, manipulate and present data.

8.4 Legislation and Safety

Students will demonstrate a range of good working practices, including the organisation of files using appropriate files and directory / folder names and the regular backing up of files, discuss methods to protect files from loss, and identify how to keep safe when working in an IT environment.

8.5 Digital Graphics

This unit helps students to develop their knowledge of different types of digital graphics that can be used in web pages. They will then design and create a range of digital graphics that would be suitable for a website.

GCSE Business Communication Systems (IT)

In order to play a full part in modern society, we firmly believe that students must be confident, discerning and effective users of ICT. This course provides students with a wide range of opportunities to develop, use and apply their ICT skills and knowledge to further their understanding of Business and Communication Systems.

Unit 1 Businesses and their communication systems covers:

ICT & Business activity, Competition, Ethics and social responsibility, Legal Framework, Workplace organisation, Backup systems, Data security and storage, e-Commerce, Human Resources and Customers.

Unit 2 Developing business communication systems covers:

Business communication systems and devices, Stakeholders, Computing devices, Hardware and software components, Analysing and changing systems, Creating professional business documents.

Unit 3 IT Skills covers:

• Design and create websites and graphics.
• Create and use databases to efficiently store, accurately retrieve and professionally present business data.
• Create and use spreadsheet systems to help businesses model, analyse data and identify trends.
• Creating complex documents using desk top publishing and word processing software.
• Organising diaries, meetings and schedules using email and diary-management software.
• Managing projects using project management software.

WJEC A Level in Applied IT

AS Units:

Unit 1 – eBusiness is assessed through an on-screen examination. Students would be expected to identify and recognise different types of business organisations and how they collect and use information to carry out their functions. Additionally, they would need to describe how IT has affected working styles, and the new business opportunities provided by IT. Students must also demonstrate advanced use of spreadsheet, database and web development software.

Unit 2 – eSkills is internally assessed through an “exam board” devised scenario. Students would be expected to use IT to plan, monitor and forecast the progress of an organisation in developing a solution to the real world problem that they would be presented with. Additionally, expert skills in spreadsheets, databases and web development are developed and then demonstrated when designing and creating an effective business solution.

A2 Units:

Unit 3 – eProject focusses on project management, including an introduction to Prince2 methodologies. The assessment follows a unique approach, whereby students will be given the opportunity to project manage a team leading to the production of a solution to a real business problem. The solution will then be taken into a controlled assessment where they will be given time to modify it further to cater for the new features that the business would like included. This has proven to be a favourite module for most of the students that study this qualification at our school.

Unit 4 – eStudio is a multimedia and marketing unit. Students will identify how organisations use marketing, study the four principles of marketing and analyse their impact on eCommerce. Additionally, they will develop advanced graphic, sound editing, video editing and web development skills. The assessment will involve them being presented with an “Apprentice” style task, where they will then use advanced graphics and multimedia skills to design and create an online marketing campaign.