Year 9
In year 9 pupils will meet new software and tasks, which will allow them to build on and improve their skills and knowledge. During this year, students will complete a mini-project covering the System Life Cycle (Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing, Evaluation). These lessons will prepare them for ICT at KS4 and their other subjects and also provide them with the skills they need in order to take the end of KS3 test using QCA Online Testing software.
They cover 4 units:
1. This project is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to carry out a project systematically. The project is to design a front of house ticketing system for a theatre or school production.
Pupils begin to understand the stages of the system life cycle. They use a design specification as the basis for their work and devise criteria to evaluate their success. They develop many skills, in particular time management and problem solving. Throughout the project, they produce documentation to support their work.
At the end of the unit, they will evaluate their work during the project as a whole and link the products to their eportfolio.
2. In this case study pupils explore ICT systems within the context of designing a new water ride in a theme park. The ride must be water-based and involve some kind of boat or raft. The design of the boat is not important; the focus is on developing a ride with one or more boats moving through a water channel safely and under control. The system could involve a feedback loop.
Pupils assess the requirements of a new ride, then plan and develop a safety control system. The work provides them with the opportunity to evaluate the use of technology and reflect on its use in other situations. Pupils develop their abilities to plan, build, test, evaluate and document their use of control systems, as well as extending their skills in using sensors and control software.
Pupils might use a variety of input and output devices to test their procedures, without the need to build models.
Finally, pupils consider how to create an appropriate presentation to be shown to the park manager, outlining the features of the ride and how safety components have been included.
At the end of the unit, they will evaluate their work during the project as a whole and link the products to their eportfolio.
Click on VLE link to access all resources and Scheme of Work