Core Computing and IT Skills

Core Computing and IT Skills

Information Technology (IT), the convergence of computer and network technology, is a highly transformative discipline. It touches nearly all aspects of our lives: the way we work, learn, communicate, socialise and entertain ourselves. Where would we be without it? These days, success in any occupational field, be it law, medicine, business, education, entertainment, finance and many more, requires a command of IT.

For certain, IT is, and will remain, the foundation of the global economy for years to come. The Core IT syllabus incorporates elements of Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology.  You will be taught key, transferable skills which can be utilised across all of your subjects from the use of Google services through to elements of computer programming.

What will I learn?

Knowing how to read, write, and participate in the digital world has become the 4th basic foundational skill next to the three Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic—in a rapidly evolving, networked world. Having these skills on the web expands access and opportunity for more people to learn anytime, anywhere, at any pace.

Specifically, these skills are described as:

• “Read” is how we explore the web. Web literate individuals understand basic web mechanics such as the difference between names and addresses on the web, and how data is linked and moves through the infrastructure of the web. They can evaluate web content, and identify what is useful and trustworthy.
• “Write” is how we build the web. Web literate individuals can transform a word into a hyperlink and add media to websites. As abilities are honed, one becomes more adept at remixing other users’ content and understanding or writing code.
• “Participate” is how we connect on the web. It includes interacting with others to make your own experience and the web richer and working in the open. It also includes having a grasp of security basics, like protecting your online identity and avoiding online scams.

Over the suite of courses from year 7 to year 13 you will learn the basics of Hypertext Markup Language (html), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and Javascript allowing you to create your interesting and interactive websites. You will also learn how these powerful tools can be used to create automated processes and interact with Google Services to create end-to-end workflows.

Every student at Biddenham from Year 7 to Sixth form is given a Chromebook, to use in their lessons, when they start at the school. Biddenham fully utilises ‘Google’ and its many school based services, from Gmail to Google Classroooms.  Parents can access students classrooms too, which ensures clear communication between school and home.

How will I be assessed?

There is no formal assessment but successful completion of the tasks set will be recorded by your teacher.

Anything else I need to know?

The core Computing and ICT content is delivered during ELS (Essential Life Skills) and is therefore not examinable. Those looking to undertake any form of IT qualifications MUST select to study the BTEC Level 1/ Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology (DIT).

Who should I contact for extra information?

Head of ICT Mrs Shelley Cadman; shelley.cadman@biddenham.beds.sch.uk

Head of Computer Science Mr George Foy; george.foy@biddenham.beds.sch.uk