ICT & Business Studies

Blaengwawr is one of the best equipped schools in the county. The School comprises of five computer suites -  A Business Studies and Curriculum suite with 22 machines, a Design & Technology suite with 16 machines, Success Maker suite with 16 machines and a further two suites with 20 machines dedicated to teaching ICT.  

All departments within the school also have access to their own computer equipment, some of which is more specially suited to the individual subject areas.  There is at least one interactive whiteboard per department, which encourages the use of ICT within the subject areas and also provides a more interactive teaching environment for the pupils.

The school network is equipped with the latest industry standard software including the Microsoft Office Suite and Macromedia MX 2004 which provides students with experience in using some of the most commonly used applications across the globe.  This is supplemented with subject specific software which individual departments can use to enhance the learning of the pupils.

The aim of  Information Technology at Blaengwawr is to give pupils the experience in the use of information technology, its equipment and programs. Thus to enable them to use information technology appropriately and effectively to communicate and handle information in a variety of purposes and to design, develop and evaluate models of real or imaginary situations. All students have their own network accounts with filtered Internet access and use of the school e-mail system.

• Ms N Gatiss - Acting Head of Business and ICT
• Mr S Hanly - Assistant Head and ICT Teacher
• Mr L O'Brien - Head of Boys PE and ICT Teacher
• Mr J Rugman - Basic Skills co-ordinator and ICT Special Educational Needs teacher
• Mr J Kyme - School Computer Technician

Key Stage 3

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9  have sixty minutes of ICT per week where they study units of work adapted from the KS3 National Strategy for ICT. This provides them with ICT capabilities and skills which can be applied in all other subject areas across the curriculum.

Further information on the KS3 National Strategy for ICT can be obtained from the Government Standards website www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes2.

Key Stage 4 : THE ICT GCSE COURSE (Options C and D)

Pupils will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range and scale of information processing applications and of the technique and systems, including the software and hardware systems, needed to support them.  They will learn how to use application software to high standards, gaining presentation, mathematical and analytical skills also. This also leads on well to the ‘A’ level course available.

WITH 60% COURSEWORK, COMPLETED IN LESSON TIME, YOU COULD BE THE ONE WHO ACHIEVES AN A-C GRADE IN 2 YEARS.

DIPLOMA in DIGITAL APPLICATIONS Double Award (Option B)

 This new course is designed to create confident users of digital applications.   It is done completely on computer and the students are expected to create an E-portfolio (website), which will be sent to the examiners for grading.

There are 4 awards available:

The Award in Digital Applications (AiDA) is given on completion of Unit 1:Using ICT.  This award has already been started in Year 9 and some pupils hope to gain this by the end of this years study, giving them a Level 1 Qualification (equivalent to 1 GCSE  C-F Grades).

The Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA) is made up of Unit 1 and Unit 2: Multimedia.  Pupils can select to do Level 2 which will enable them to gain the equivalent to 2 GCSE’s A*-C, or stay at Level 1 and gain 2 GCSE’s C-F)

The Certificate in Digital Applications+ (CiDA+) is made up of Unit 1, Unit 2: Multimedia and Unit 3:Graphics:  Pupils can select to do Level 2 which will enable them to gain the equivalent to 2 GCSE’s A*-C, or stay at Level 1 and gain 2 GCSE’s C-F)

The Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA) consists of 4 units. Units1,2 as well as Unit 3:Graphics and Unit 4:ICT in Enterprise.  This will allow the pupils to gain up to 4 GCSE’s.

This course is not for the faint-hearted!  Dedication and initiative will be required if the pupils are to achieve the DiDA , whatever level they choose to do.

We offer a BTEC in Business studies which is an introduction to the business world.  It is a practical course, with pupils becoming familiar with the concept of business.

Key Stage 5

Students in Years 12 and 13 have the opportunity to study either Advanced Level ICT and Applied A Level in Business over two years. They also have the opportunity to gain up to a level 3 in the Key skills qualification.

Course Outline -The ‘A’ level is designed in two parts: The first year will allow an AS to be gained or 50% of the A2 award. Students can continue onto the A2 in Year 13.The first year consists of an examination, which includes one practical piece of work that you do and will have to discuss and one piece of coursework – Presenting Information.

What will I study? The implementation of computer systems in a range of applications – including office applications and multimedia.  An appreciation of the approach, body of principles, knowledge and skills that constitute ICT.

How will I be assessed? The course is assessed by one external examination, taken in June (30% of A2) and one piece of coursework (20% of A2), which will be completed by Christmas.

Career Opportunities and Progression. As a result of successfully completing this programme students will be able to progress to A2.  With this qualification, there are careers as, creating ICT tools, as a software engineer, computer programmer or analyst. ICT will be vital in almost any career from medicine to accountancy to retail management. AS and A2 level information and communication technology also serve as a foundation for a range of courses at university. 60% of all jobs and 90% of all new jobs require high levels of ICT skills. Pay and prospects are far better than many other areas of work.

Course Outline - This 1-year course consists of a tested unit and two pieces of coursework.  It aims to provide the knowledge, skills and understanding for those considering careers in any Business related occupation.  It also provides a basis for progression to the A2 course.

What will I study? You will study a series of 3 modules.  Investigating people at work will be tested and there will then be 2 pieces of coursework.  Coursework 1 will investigate the setting up of a business – with the designing of a Business Place.  Coursework 2 will investigate the procedure involved in marketing a product of your choice.  There will be a presentation of your findings within coursework – which will be assessed as part of your final grade.

How will I be assessed? The course is assessed by one external test taken in January and June and two pieces of coursework to be completed by summer term.

Career Opportunities and Progression. As a result of successfully completing this programme you will be able to progress to A2.  Career opportunities include Administration, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources or service related businesses.

The ICT Department provides our students with the opportunity to work during lunchtimes and breaktimes in the ICT suites under the supervision of a member of staff. Not only does this allow students to gain more experience with ICT, but also gives them the chance to work on ICT homework and coursework.

We have after school clubs of a Monday and a Wednesday for pupils to complete outstanding coursework and an Internet club on a Wednesday to enable all pupils to have access to the Interent even if they have no access at home.