Shirebrook Academy

Welcome to the ICT and Business Studies Department

Meet the Department
Head of ICT and Business Studies: Natalie Mehrotra Hughes
Assistant Leader of Standards: Amy Taylor
Teacher of ICT and PE: Alex Marsh

Key stage 3
At KS3 students have one lesson of ICT per week in which they follow a varied and interesting Scheme of Work based upon the requirements of the National Curriculum.

We include a range of activities that are suitable for all learning styles and abilities. Students are given the best opportunity to become skilled, independent users of ICT in preparation for success at KS4.

Year 7 students will study the following projects:

E-Safety and Movie Maker
Students explore the dangers of using digital technology such as cyber-bullying, sexual predators, viruses etc. Students are shown how to prevent these situations from occurring and what to do in the event that they occur. For more information and advice on these issues please visit http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk. Students create e-safety awareness movies using Windows Movie Maker, about an aspect of e-safety using video clips, music and images which they will have to edit to fit the purpose.

Spreadsheets
Students use Microsoft Excel to create a basic spreadsheet model. The spreadsheet will include a variety of formulas and functions, and a range of formatting features such as borders, shading, alignment, data types.
Advanced presentations
Students design and create an advanced interactive multimedia presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint and Macromedia Fireworks. The presentation is based on “Drayton Manor” theme park and is to be used as an information point at a kiosk at the theme park. They will learn about animation, hyperlinks, importing sound and video and much more.

QR Codes
QR codes are increasingly being used in everyday life and students are likely to encounter them in magazines, adverts or on almost any object where extra information can be provided through a small black and white matrix.
The aim of this project is to introduce students to QR codes and to encourage them to investigate how they can be used to effectively impart information to others.

Year 8 students will study the following projects:

Website Design
Students will design and create a website using Macromedia Dreamweaver for a local zoo. Students will be encouraged to integrate other applications into their work. They will learn how to set up html pages and link them together. They will learn how to create a logo and animated banner for their website and many more website features such as rollover images.

Computer Control
Students will use Flowol software to control a set of traffic lights and a log flume using a sequence of instructions. Students will need to understand how computers are used to control electronic devices in everyday life and how to break this up into; input, process, output.

Databases
Students will design and create a database for the needs of a second hand car business. Students will need to design their database using validation, input masks and lookup lists. Students will be encouraged to create a switchboard menu, and use the database to handle information.

Scratch
Students will use simple programming software Scratch to produce a game. Students will learn how to sequence instructions for specific outcomes and will learn and use simple programming terms.

Key stage 4
If students wish to continue with ICT at KS4, they are able to select, as part of the options process, from one of two courses.

Cambridge Nationals
For more information visit the OCR website.
This is a vocationally-related qualification that takes an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment. The everyday use of ICT, from PCs to smartphones, now impacts all of our lives. This new Cambridge Nationals in ICT reflects this and provides students with a solid understanding of the subject which they can use in their working lives. Three themes are covered: business information systems, creative and technical.
Students could study the following units:
Unit 1: Understanding computer systems
Unit 2: Using ICT skills to create business solutions
Unit 3: Handling data using spreadsheets
Unit 4: Handling data using databases
Unit 5: Creating an interactive product using multimedia components
Unit 6: Creating digital images
Unit 7: Creating dynamic products using sound and vision
Unit 8: Introductions to computer programming
Unit 9: Exploring computer hardware and networks
Unit 10: Developing control systems
Unit 11: Understanding technology –a project approach

WJEC GCSE
For more information visit the WJEC website.
This GCSE is made up of 4 units, 2 of which are external papers and 2 controlled assessments.
The course provides a suitable foundation for the study of Information and Communication Technology, Applied Information and Communication Technology or a related area of study, at AS or Advanced Level and/or preparation for future employment and the world of work;
It encourages candidates to develop their critical thinking, to see the relationships between systems designer and user, and the role of Information and Communication Technology within the world in which we live. It also provides opportunities to develop candidates’ Key/Essential Skills, particularly those in problem solving, use of IT and communication. They will also have opportunities to develop their skills in application of number, working with others and improving own learning and performance.

Assessment

Unit 1: Understanding ICT
20 % External Assessment: 1½ hours
This examination paper will assess the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Programme of
Study for Information and Communication Technology and the functional elements of ICT in a home and school context.

Unit 2: Solving Problems with ICT
30% Controlled Assessment: 22½ hours
This controlled assessment consists of a portfolio of work which shows candidates’ attainment in obtaining and interpreting different types of information; using, developing and communicating information to meet the purpose of their studies and presenting the results of their work. This assignment will assess the practical aspects of the functional elements of ICT.

Unit 3: ICT in Organisations
20% External Assessment: 1½ hours
This examination paper will assess the ‘application’ content of ICT in a business and industry context.

Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions
30% Controlled Assessment: 22½ hours
This controlled assessment will give candidates the opportunity to develop a piece of work using multimedia software following a single task brief issued by WJEC.

Useful Websites
Teach ICT
CEOPThinkuknow
BBC Bytesize
Typing Test

Business Studies
Business Studies is an option subject only studied at KS4, we follow the WJEC exam board specification. Students find this subject interesting and challenging as they have not covered any of the content in KS3. Business Studies will give you a broad overview of how the commercial world operates. As well as developing the essential transferable or ‘soft’ skills that employers demand, you build technical knowledge and skills.

Some of the strengths cultivated through business studies include:
• understanding organisational behaviour and structure;
• critical thinking and analytical skills;
• a creative problem-solving approach and sound, logical decision-making skills;
• numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data and information

Students will also get the opportunity to go on a residential trip, where they will visit big successful businesses and more. For example: an overnight trip to London to visit BBC Television Centre; Wembley Stadium; take in a West End show and more.

Topics to be studied include:
• Business Framework – types of business ownership such as LTD, sole traders, franchises and their aims and objectives; stakeholders and the reasoning behind a business set-up
• Businesses and their Customers – marketing, pricing strategies, promotion, research, constraints on a business and more
• Producing Goods and Services – the difference between goods and services to public and private sectors, production methods, quality control, breakeven analysis, international trade and business growth
• Human Resource Planning – Health and safety, staffing, training, organisational structure and communication. Staff are the most important part of any business so students will examine the recruitment process and the need for good staff morale.
• External Environment – competitors, use of ICT, advancing technology, cultural and ethical issues and the environment. In the recent economic climate external influences must be considered by all business organisations.
• Business Finance and Control – sources of finance, cash flow forecasting, profit and loss and analysing business performance.

Assessment:
• Written Paper (75%) – External Assessment: 2 hours
Compulsory short-answer questions and compulsory questions based on stimulus material. Some of these questions will require extended writing and will assess the quality of written communication.
• Controlled Assessment (25%) – Internal Assessment: 22.5hrs
Set tasks given by exam board, one of which is chosen by the school to complete. This is done in lesson time.

Useful Websites
All Business
Biz Ed
Business Studies Online