Head of Department: Mr P Ford pf@sevenoaksschool.org

"Such is the pace of IT systems that no sooner is new technology in the market place than it is almost out of date; as educators, I believe that we are charged with the responsibility to ensure pupils are aware that IT has 'a good, a bad and an ugly' nature. We have a duty to ensure that they are empowered to make informed 'judgement calls' when bombarded by such developments."

The IT and Computing Science Department
At Sevenoaks the role of the Computing department is to provide a measured reality to the "roller-coaster ride" currently happening in technology, by ensuring that every student has the skills necessary to use IT systems effectively while developing their awareness of the potential pitfalls.

The department supports three computer suites which allow students to be taught formal lessons in IT. Other faculties use the facilities as part of their daily classes and the department is frequently full to capacity. Teaching methods are constantly shifting to allow pupils to research, assimilate and synthesize the vast "library of information" available via the internet. Furthermore, access to the department is from 08:00 until 21:30 every day. The department uses the latest technological developments to enhance teaching, including interactive whiteboards, data projectors, network systems and wireless connectivity for the mass deployment of information.

Years 7 & 8
Students explore software systems, become competent with IT skills and apply their abilities to cross curricular work. The focus of these years is skills development, IT survival and competency for use in the workplace. Furthermore, students undertake keyboard skills which can lead to an external examination and certificate.

Year 9
Candidates are required to undertake the ECDL/ICDL (European/International Computer Driving Licence) which consists of 7 modules of work. Each is externally examined and a certificate is awarded by the BCS (British Computer Society) when a candidate completes all the modules.

Years 10 & 11
At GCSE students study the AQA examination board which requires further understanding of the theory of IT as well as practical application through a number of project based tasks. Assessment is 60% coursework based and 40% by terminal examination. The coursework is carried out over the whole of the two year programme of study.

The Sixth Form
For the IB pupils may follow the Information Technology in a Global Society course to Standard Level. This is assessed by three short portfolios (20%), a major project (30%) and a terminal examination (50%).

ITGS is a Standard Level subject that forms an option within group 3, (Individuals and Societies) of the IB Diploma. The main focus of the subject is a consideration of the social significance and the ethical considerations rising from the use of IT, and how these influence individuals, communities, institutions and organisations. It is important to realise that this is NOT a Computer Science syllabus. Although a basic knowledge of IT tools is preferred, it is not necessary to be IT literate before embarking on this course.

 The syllabus is divided into three major topics:

• Social and Ethical Issues - including reliability, integrity, security, privacy, intellectual property, equality of access, control, globalisation and cultural diversity, policies and standards, and people and machines

• IT Systems in a Social Context - including hardware and networks, applications, communication systems, and integrated systems

• Areas of Impact - including business and employment, and three from education, health, arts, entertainment and leisure, science and the environment, and politics and government

Click here to see examination results