ICT Key Stage Programme

Information and Communication Technology is used throughout the School. It is important to both the curricular and extra-curricular activities of all pupils. The ICT department at Salford City Academy is both dynamic and proactive. The computing facilities embrace new technology and are developing year by year.

The department has 4 well-equipped computer rooms with multi-media projection facilities and interactive whiteboards for class and group activities along with many machines around the academy, which can be used for private research and study. Students have access to scanners, digital cameras and quality colour and black and white lasers, which together enable them to print of professional looking course work.

Key Stage 3

The department follows the aims of the ICT National Strategy to raise standards by strengthening teaching and learning for all 11 to 14 year olds. The school provides a minimum of 50 minutes per week (2 x 50 minutes in Year 7) of discrete teaching throughout the key stage to ensure the delivery of the yearly teaching objectives for ICT.

Key Stage 4

The department offers the OCR Nationals suite of qualifications which provides candidates with high quality, industry-relevant qualifications geared to the specific requirements of key sectors. They are vocationally-related qualifications that provide valuable opportunities for individuals to develop skills and gain underpinning knowledge and understanding which will support entry into work or progression to further studies through Further Education or Higher Education. The OCR Nationals are attractive, practically-based qualifications intended to stimulate and interest candidates. They support achievement of Functional Skills and relate to national occupational standards thereby providing an ideal progression to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) once individuals are in suitable employment.

Those studying in preparation for employment in the Information and Communication Technology sector particularly in job roles where they will be expected to use ICT skills, liaise with users and carry out ICT support roles. This qualification is also suitable for those wishing to gain a Level 2 qualification to support further study in FE or in the workplace.

Key Stage 5

The ICT department offers the level 3 OCR Nationals suite of Qualifications.  These are attractive, practically-based qualifications intended to stimulate and interest candidates. They support achievement of Key Skills and relate to national occupational standards thereby providing an ideal progression to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) once individuals are in suitable employment.

Both Key stage 3 and 4 units of work are centre-assessed and externally moderated by OCR. There are no timetabled exams for this qualification; candidates may complete units at a time that suits the centre. The full award and units from this qualification are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinct.