HECC

Information and Communication Technology at HECC

ICT is studied at HECC at both KS3 and KS4. At KS3 the DCFS National Strategy for ICT is followed by years 7,8 and 9. Students in KS3 enjoy a lesson a week of ICT, and the majority of each lesson is spent using a PC. We have a ratio of 1:1 for pupils and PCs, with students rarely having to share.

We are increasing the use of all technologies within KS3 ICT lessons, such as digital cameras, sound recording equipment, and encourage safe use of the Internet. This is to give the students a really broad grounding in the subject before they continue on to KS4, where ICT is a core subject.

At KS4 all students undertake the OCR First Award in ICT for three lessons a fortnight. This is a GCSE equivalent qualification that has a strong emphasis on practical ICT skills. This GCSE is assessed entirely by coursework, and homework in KS4 is dedicated to the completion or improvement of this coursework.

Additionally, students may opt to complete the OCR National Certificate in ICT, equivalent to 4 GCSEs. In this course a much broader study of ICT is undertaken, with the students learning skills in web design (using Dreamweaver), Flash animation, sound recording and other multimedia work. This has replaced the DiDA course that we have run for the previous 2 years.

The college also offers Key Skills level 1 in ICT, and is due to start a pilot of the new Functional Skills tests. We constantly review the qualifications that we offer at KS4 due to the fast moving nature of the subject.