Subjects


Aims

St Mary's College view ICT as a teaching tool to both innovate and motivate our pupils. There is hardly an aspect of our lives that isn’t dominated by ICT. ICT controls everything from our defence and security systems to the films we watch, the design of the magazines we read and the hospital operations we wait on. St Mary’s pupils enjoy two discrete lessons of IT per week. Our aim is to equip our students with the skills necessary to become the next generation of digital creators.

Staff

  • Mrs. C. Melaugh: Head of ICT (Curriculum)
  • Mrs. C. Rogan: ICT Teacher (Head of Careers)
  • Miss Y. Connolly: Senior Teacher/ICT Teacher
  • Mr. L. Meehan: ICT Manager
  • Miss A. Doherty: ICT Technician
  • Mr. L. McCorkell:  ICT Technician

KS3

Key Stage 3 Discrete ICT 

During their discrete IT lessons pupils will have the opportunity to create their own games, use raw code to create websites and even develop their own Apps. Our pupils will learn about becoming responsible digital citizens and develop digital skills which are essential to boosting our economy. Our aim is to prepare our students for the world of tomorrow.

GCSE

The ICT Department  currently offer the following level 2 courses:

 
  • GCSE: Digital Technologies
  • BTEC: Level 2 Information and Creative Technology
 

GCSE: Digital Technologies

Digital technology incorporates aspects of computer science and information technology. It explores how we can use technology to create, store, process, analyse and present information in a digital context. Students can choose to complete the course as a multimedia option or a programming option.

Is It For Me?

Possible Careers: Software Developer, Network Manager, Programmer/ Developer, Web designer/ Developer, Project Manager, IT Technician, Computer Game Developer, Graphic Designer, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing Manager, Hardware Engineer, Teacher and lots more...  

 

Btec Level 2 Award in Information and Creative Technology

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Information and Creative Technology has been designed primarily for young people aged 14 to 19 who may wish to explore a vocational route throughout Key Stage 4, but it is also suitable for other learners who want a vocationally focused introduction to this area of study. It has been developed to:
  •  inspire and enthuse learners to become technology savvy – producers of technology products and systems and not just consumers
  •  give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of the Information Technology sector and some aspects of the creative industries e.g. computer games development
 

Post 16

The ICT Department  currently offer the following level 3 courses:

 
  • GCE: Software Systems Development
  • Btec Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT
 

Software Systems Development

  The GCE Software Systems Development specification is made up of two parts: AS and A2. Students can choose to take the AS as a stand-alone qualification if they wish. To get the full GCE, students must complete both AS and A2. There are two units for each part. In Unit AS 1 students adopt an object oriented approach to problem solving. They develop their object oriented skills while learning to appreciate the benefits of developing applications in this type of environment. This unit is externally assessed through a two hour examination paper. In Unit AS 2 students learn to implement and develop object oriented technologies in an event driven environment. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own quiz or game using the C# programming language. In their portfolio of work students must be able to state requirements and design, implement, test and evaluate their application. This unit is internally assessed.

Entry Requirements

5 plus GCSE’s including Mathematics and English. Minimum grade B in both Mathematics and English. Possible Careers: Computer Games Developer, Software Engineer, Network Manager, Web Developer, Project Manager, IT Technician, Software Quality Manager, Graphic Designer, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing Manager, Systems administrator, Hardware Engineer, Teacher, Technical Writer, Infrastructure Engineer , Cyber Security Manager and lots more…..  

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT

  The Btec level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT is an innovative qualification suitable for a wide range of students, it is structured to accommodate the needs of employers and also allow progression to university, and it is equivalent to one A Level. The IT industry offers a wide range of motivating and challenging career opportunities, including, web development, digital imaging, networking, software development, project management, programming and IT Support. Students completing the course can progress to a university degree or Foundation Degree, to BTEC HNCs and HNDs, or to employment.

Content

The BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT consists of two core units plus 4 specialist units.

Assessment

There are no written examinations in this course.

Possible Careers

Computer Games Developer, Software Developer, Network Manager, Film Animator, Programmer/ Developer, Web designer/ Developer, IT Technician, Graphic Designer, Data Analyst, Digital Marketing Manager, Hardware Engineer, Teacher, Technical Writer, Project Manager, Cyber Security Manager and lots more….. Entry Requirements 5 plus GCSE’s including Maths and English.

Examination Performance

 2018-2019

 
Exam level A* – C A – E
GCSE 100% 100%
A-Level 100% 100%
 

Extra Curricular

The IT department currently offer the following extra curricular activities:

 
  • Minecraft Club (Saturday School 10am - 1pm) Join our Minecraft club! Pupils have been developing their digital skills using this popular game as they work with others to build bigger and better worlds.
 
  •  Senior Coursework Club -  Pupils studying ICT at GCSE or A Level  can receive extra help and guidance from their class teachers. Clubs run at lunchtime and after school.
 
  • Code Club -  Our innovative code club takes place on a Tuesday at lunchtime for juniors.
 
  • Coursework Clinics - Coursework Clinics are offered over school holiday periods such as Halloween and Easter. ICT students have the opportunity to receive extra help from their class teacher in a small group environment.