Introduction
Head of ICT - Mr A Martin
Cator Park School has recently made a very substantial investment in its ICT facilities.
Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard and computer and the school has 6 newly
refurbished network suites of computers. ICT is taught as a discrete subject and in other subjects as required.
The school has a policy of keeping the extensive network facilities open for student use
throughout the day and there are computer clubs at lunchtime and after school with staff supervision.
Key Stage 3
All students receive one hour a week of discrete ICT teaching in Years 7, 8 and 9.
The ICT department teach to the National Key Stage 3 ICT Strategy which is designed to
ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge of ICT to enable them to progress
to a higher level at Key Stage 4 and beyond.
Students learn competency in word processing, handling data,
working with sound and images and designing systems including website design.
Key Stage 4
All Year 10 girls follow a course leading to a formal qualification in ICT.
Students may additionally opt to study for the
Digital Diploma in Applications (DiDA). This is a new course and consists of
four modules, each equivalent to a GCSE. Thus it is possible for a student to obtain the equivalent of
four GCSEs if they complete the course successfully. The course is very practical in nature, being
assessed entirely via electronic coursework portfolios and equips students
for work involving use of ICT or further study of the subject.
Students are also able to opt to study the following GCSE subjects at KS4:
The topics for this course include Marketing, Human Resources, Accounts and Production.
25% of the final mark comes from one piece of coursework of approximately 1,500 words
Key Stage 5
Students in the Sixth Form can study for the following qualifications:-