|
Interview with Ann Weidmann, Senior Business Manager, ICT
Why does GCSE ICT have to change?
Obviously, 'because the QCDA has changed the subject criteria' is part of the answer. But the government and the QCDA wanting new GCSE syllabuses is only the starting point.
'Boring', 'repetitive' and 'out of date' are just some of the adjectives used by students to describe the current GCSE ICT specifications. Young people are voting with their feet. Fewer are choosing to study ICT or Computing at A level. Girls in particular are disenchanted with the subject. Clearly, something has to be done to reverse this trend. |
 |
We're confident that our new GCSE in ICT will engage and motivate students. By choosing topics they can identify with, we have given the subject a new and more interesting slant.
We've taken on board what you told us about the old GCSE: that there was too much 'writing about' and not enough 'doing'. This new specification puts the emphasis very definitely on practical application and demonstration of competence. Its aim is to produce 'savvy users' who use IT knowledgeably, effectively and safely in all aspects of their daily lives.
The single GCSE is a 'must-have' qualification for all students, not just those who are considering a career in the IT industry. Everyone needs to be a 'savvy ICT user', whatever their career aspirations.
Nowadays, young people are just as likely to be producers of digital content as consumers. The Double Award aims to teach them how to design effective digital products. Students plan and carry out a substantial software development project involving the design and creation of an interactive digital product. The choice of what to make is theirs - it could be anything from a relational database to an interactive digital storybook, a website or a computer game.
Students are supposed to learn about emerging technologies. How will you keep the specification up to date?
This is always a problem in a constantly evolving subject like ICT. What is new and 'emerging' this year will almost certainly be 'old hat' in 18 months' time. To prevent the specification from dating, we have avoided making reference to specific devices or technologies. Instead, we will publish an annual supplement listing specific devices and technologies that students will be expected to learn about. That way, if a device is superseded by something new, it can be removed, and if something new comes along it can be added.
What's the relationship between functional ICT and GCSE ICT?
Functional ICT is embedded within the GCSE in ICT. However, the assessment is separate. If students want to have a functional skills ICT qualification as well as their GCSE (equivalent to half a GCSE), they will need to take a separate test, but they will not need separate teaching.
How will this GCSE prepare my students for A level?
We confidently expect this new GCSE to awaken students' interest in ICT as a subject and encourage more of them to consider progression to a higher-level ICT or computing qualification. The GCSE will give them a firm foundation of underpinning knowledge and skills on which to build.
Of course, not all students will want to pursue the subject further. Nevertheless, they will find that being an effective IT user will help them succeed in whichever A levels they go on to study.