Ratcliffe College - GCSE Handbook

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
LATIN
OPTION SUBJECTS
Studying an IGCSE ICT will develop skills
invaluable to you in other subjects and as
you progress through your education. As
computers are used nearly everywhere,
competence in their use can be an entry
requirement, or a pre-requisite, for
careers in many fields - for example, in
engineering, art and design, journalism,
teaching and architecture.
As well as developing your skills in the
use of many industry standard packages
- Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher,
Word and Photoshop, you will improve
your problem solving skills through
the development of computer-based
solutions to real world problems.
The Cambridge International GCSE aims
to encourage the exploration and study
of ICT in a variety of contexts: home,
community, business, industry, recreation
and education.
The course enables students to:
• Acquire and apply ICT skills, knowledge
and understanding in a range of
contexts.
• Develop ICT-based solutions to address
challenges and solve problems.
• Develop an understanding of ICT
systems.
• Develop an understanding and
awareness of current and emerging
technologies.
• Develop an awareness of the legal,
social, ethical and environmental
consequences of the use of ICT systems
for individuals, organisations & society.
• Recognise potential risks when
using ICT and develop safe, secure and
responsible practice.
Information Technology is a practical
subject so most of the knowledge you
require is developed through the use of
the software packages. Skills in problem
solving, systems analysis and design are
developed through project work.
After GCSE
The skills developed at GCSE will be
useful whatever A Level or Higher
Education courses you choose,
especially those involving project work
which demand problem solving and
presentation skills.
Information Technology is available in
the Sixth Form where you will build
upon your knowledge to create realistic
business solutions to given problems, as
well as the coding necessary to complete
a detailed project.
Examination Details
The Cambridge International GCSE
in Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) is assessed through
a written examination paper and two
practical examination papers.
Paper 1: Theory - 40%
2 Hours. 100 marks.
Paper 2: Document Production, Data
Manipulation and Presentations - 30%
2 Hours 30 minutes. 80 marks.
Paper 3: Data Analysis and Website
Authoring - 30%
2 Hours 30 minutes. 80 marks.
Why study Latin?
The first reason should be because you
have enjoyed your study of Latin so far.
If you enjoy working in a smaller group,
where you can support and gain support
from each other, problem-solving and
analysing language, as well as learning
about the literature and culture of the
Romans in the first century AD, you
should enjoy Latin at GSCE.
The assessment of candidates includes
both knowledge of the language and an
introduction to Latin literature in the
original language.
During the course you will be expected
to become familiar with all vocabulary
on the defined list and to have a working
knowledge of all grammar and syntax,
as detailed in the syllabus. Language
materials are based on a wide variety of
topics, including those of a military and
mythological nature.
You continue to work from the Cambridge
Latin Course and from the latter part of
Year 10 you will work on Prose and Verse
Literature, learning to translate and to
answer context and stylistic questions.
You are taught in small groups, where
individual attention is always possible.
Students will undertake a wide variety of
tasks, both teacher-led and via research
materials and past examination papers.
The vocabulary is available on the School
network and on-line.
After GCSE
Latin provides a good foundation for the
study of any modern language at A Level,
as well as being an excellent subject in
its own right. It also combines well with
History, English and Religious Studies, to
mention but a few. The logical approach,
which it demands, is wonderful training
for those of you who eventually want
to study for careers such as Law, the
Sciences, Computer Studies, Business and
Banking etc.
Examination Details
There are three components:
Component 1 – Language
1 hour 30 mins. 50%
Component 2 – Prose or Verse
Literature A
1 hour. 25%
Component 3 – Prose or Verse
Literature B
1 hour. 25%
Students entered for Latin can be
awarded grades 9 to 1. All components
will be examined at the end of Year 11.
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