The Digital Technology Department comprises of three IT suites located in adjoining rooms. The C2k network provides access to all software used.

At KS3 students will undertake activities which involve both theoretical and practical aspects of digital technology. For example, this will involve information and data, spreadsheets, databases, big data, gaming, social aspects of digital technology, applications of artificial intelligence, microbits and activities involving web page development and programming using scratch, python and C#.

At KS4 Digital Technology GCSE (CCEA) is offered to students.

This qualification is available as:

• GCSE Digital Technology (Multimedia), a digital authoring qualification focusing on multimedia; and

• GCSE Digital Technology (Programming), a digital development qualification focusing on programming.

The specification develops practical skills using a range of generic software or in an object-oriented environment.

Either route provides a sound basis for further study in both GCE Digital Technology and GCE Software Systems Development.

Further details on this GCSE can be found here: https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCSE/GCSE%20Digital%20Technology%20%282017%29/GCSE%20Digital%20Technology%20%282017%29-specification-Standard_0.pdf

At KS5 Digital Technology (GCE A level) and Software Systems Development (GCE A level) are offered to students.

Digital Technology (CCEA)

Key features:

• It includes four assessment units: three are externally assessed and one is internally assessed.

• It gives students opportunities to progress to career paths leading to professional IT management.

• It offers advanced study of modern technology-based systems.

• It provides stretch and challenge for A2 students.

• It allows students to develop advanced skills in a range of development environments using a mixture of examination formats and question types.

• A range of support is available, including specimen assessment materials, schemes of work and teacher guidance on particular aspects of the specification and the internally assessed unit.

Prior attainment: There is no specific requirement for prior learning. However, it is expected that many students will have already gained skills, knowledge and understanding of digital technology following the successful completion of an IT-related GCSE course, or a level two equivalent.

Further details on this GCE A level can be found here:

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCE/GCE%20Digital%20Technology%20%282016%29/GCE%20Digital%20Technology%20%282016%29-specification-Standard_0.pdf

Software Systems Development (CCEA)

Key features:

• It includes four assessment units: two externally assessed and two internally assessed.

• The content directly relates to current software development trends supported by systems methodologies.

• The content is well balanced between knowledge and application.

• The specification will develop real practical skills in an object oriented environment.

• Assessment at A2 includes stretch and challenge, reflected in the use of a wider range of question types, higher demand evaluative tasks, synoptic assessment and extended writing.

• A course of study based on this specification provides a sound basis for progression to higher education.

• C# is the preferred programming language used.

Prior attainment: There is no particular level of attainment required to study this specification. However, it builds on some of the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in GCSE Digital Technology.

Further details on this GCE A level can be found here:

https://ccea.org.uk/downloads/docs/Specifications/GCE/GCE%20Software%20Systems%20Development%20%282016%29/GCE%20Software%20Systems%20Development%20%282016%29-specification-Standard_1.pdf